It pays to react fast to crime

Within seconds of a shopper at Castlepoint reporting his £400 BMX cycle had been stolen, the team controlling and monitoring the 150 CCTV cameras spotted 2 youths with cycles, and one matched the description of the stolen item. 

One of the security teams already out patrolling confronted and detained the youths whilst the police were called.  In just a few minutes, one of the youths well known to the police for other petty crimes and anti social behaviour in the area was arrested for theft.  The BMX was reunited with its owner.

The evidence produced was enough for Bournemouth Magistrates Court to serve an ASBO preventing the offender from entering the shopping park and the surrounding area unless accompanied by his mother.  

“I would urge anyone wherever they are, to immediately report an incident and not hesitate believing that nothing will be done,” said Jay McLean.  “Thanks to the uniformed patrols and the camera network backed up by vigilant staff and members of the public, we are keeping crime at the park to a minimum.”

Picture: Determined to deter. Security officer Ian McKai and Assistant Security Manager Jay McLean monitor Castlepoint from the control room.