Security cameras will make effectivecrime deterrent

marks the final stage of the fundraising campaign for CityWatch, the

plan to cover Glasgow's city centre with a network of 32 security closed

circuit TV cameras.

The programme will cost #1m including running costs over its initial

three years. Half of that sum is coming from public funds. The remaining

half is being raised from the private sector.

''My aim is to reach our target by just after Christmas,'' said

Caroline Durkan, chairman of the CityWatch Association. ''Our programme

then will be to start installation work during February and to have the

whole scheme up and running by the summer.

''We believe it will bring an immediate and dramatic benefit towards a

safer Glasgow. It does not just make sense. It makes business sense.''

A senior projects executive with Glasgow Development Association,

Caroline Durkan first began developing the CityWatch plan some 18 months

ago. In its final form, the 32 monitor cameras will cover crime

''hotspots'' in busy areas of the city in an area roughly bounded by

High Street and Charing Cross, by Clyde Street and Sauchiehall Street.

The TV monitoring nerve centre for it all will be located in Stewart

Street police station where disabled civilian staff employed by

CityWatch will be on duty monitoring quad grouped screens in shifts 24

hours a day and seven days a week.

''While the closed circuit cameras record, our operators will monitor

their screens,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''When they see any incident they

will advise a police supervisor and then, while the system continues to

record, the police will deal with the matter.''

The CityWatch campaign already has powerful backing. Strathclyde Chief

Constable Leslie Sharp says: ''In pilot schemes, CCTV coverage of public

areas has made a significant impact in reducing crime and disorder thus

providing a safe environment for the public.''

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce are equally enthusiastic in their support

of it as a crime prevention initiative described by Caroline Durkan as

aimed at reducing crime and the incidence and fear of crime in the city.

It will ''operate within enabling guidelines drawn up by Strathclyde

Police''.

Recorded tapes will be the property of the Chief Constable and will be

retained for one month then wiped unless required for evidence or

information. The taped information, it is emphasised, will be used only

by Strathclyde Police and only to deter and detect criminals.

The private sector appeal for #500,000 of the total cost has to date

resulted in #200,000 being donated and a further #90,000 promised.

''We see this final fundraising drive which starts now as a very good

investment for any city centre firm,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''Glasgow

will reap great benefits from the scheme. Statistics tell their own

story. Similar schemes have resulted in a 90% reduction in crimes

against vehicles at King's Lynn, a 29% reduction in crime at Newcastle,

in Birmingham achieving the lowest level of crime in the West Midlands,

and a 75% reduction of crime at Airdrie combined with an increase of

retail turnover.

''An economic evaluation suggests that Glasgow could benefit from an

additional #43m annual expenditure along with some 1500 jobs. Glasgow

city centre has no worse crime rate than any other major city. But

CityWatch wants Glasgow to be the best.

''Our system is expected to reduce crime and the costs of crime, to

increase the important 'feel good' factor and to increase city centre

usage -- all to the benefit of businesses, visitors and residents

alike.''

Positions for all 32 cameras have already been decided by a police

survey. None will be hidden. In fact they will be highly visible. The

police survey involved including making sure that none of the cameras

could invade privacy by looking into windows or intruding in other ways

in residential areas.

''They are purely looking at streets. Normal street lighting is all

that will be required,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''Consider it a matter of

putting 32 recording eyes on the streets of Glasgow, continuously

monitoring 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We are particularly

aware of the need to operate the scheme within strict guidelines.

''The final guidelines will go to the Scottish Council for Civil

Liberties who are being invited to comment on them. If we have not

picked up on any aspect which concerns them, we will welcome their

advice.''

Various charitable groups within the city are to be invited to put

forward disabled candidates for employment. ''One aspect should be made

clear,'' said Caroline Durkan. ''There is no evidence to support any

beliefs that crime is simply shuffled down the road from a camera

monitored area to another area where the cameras do not exist. The crime

and vandalism rate stays reduced overall.

''In every aspect, from the reduction of vandalism through to cash in

transit security, the CityWatch network is vital. We also carried out a

public opinion poll to find out how people would feel about those camera

eyes over head. A total of 95% were in favour. A total of 90% saw no

infringement of civil liberties.

''I am certain that by next summer Glasgow CityWatch's cameras will be

in place.''