Cops: CCTV cameras effective
2007-12-20 08:17
Johannesburg - CCTV cameras are proving highly effective in combating crime in the Johannesburg CBD, metro police said on Wednesday.
The camera operators in Benmore Towers in Rissik street "are in direct radio contract with officers on patrol and are able to respond to a crime scene as soon as it happens" said metro police spokesman Superintendent Wayne Minaar.
Metro police have arrested 23 petty criminals in the CBD as a result of the CCTV operations since December 1, for crimes including bag snatching, pick-pocketing, cell-phone theft and smash and grab attacks, he said.
At least 308 uniformed metro police officers and 30 plain clothes officers were patrolling the inner city.
Metro police have asked the community to assist in the fight against crime and were being supported by 150 civilian safety ambassadors.
The ambassadors have been trained by Johannesburg metro police, the SAPS and emergency services, said Minaar.
- SAPA