NEWTOWNARDS TOWN CENTRE CCTV

Ards Borough Council in Partnership with the PSNI and Ards Community Safety Partnership manages six closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras located in strategic points throughout Newtownards town centre. The system aims to;

• Prevent and detect crime
• Provide evidence to relevant enforcement agencies
• Maintain public order
• Prevent anti-social behaviour and nuisance
• Provide reassurance, and
• Promote economic wellbeing

The cameras are monitored, and all images recorded, from a suite in Bangor which has a direct link with the PSNI. PSNI Officers will also monitor images using the suite as a command and control centre as and when required.

The system is operated in accordance with a Code of Practice, copies of which are available on request or which can be viewed below.

Crime Prevention Advice

• Newtownards Town Centre CCTV will assist in the prevention of crime but will not eradicate it. There are some simple steps that you can take to help keep yourself and your property safe.
• Watch your bags and keep your purse or wallet close to you and consider spreading valuables around your body i.e keep car keys in your pockets and your phone in your bag.
• Double check that you have your credit cards and cheque book after you pay for items
• Take out a little cash at a time rather than carry large sums of money. Return your cash and cards to your wallet or purse before walking away
• You will be safest in well lit busy areas, resist the temptation to take short cuts
• Tell a shop employee if you see an unattended bag or package
• Hide your shopping or valuables in the boot of your car; don't leave it on view
• Park in a secure car park or busy street with good lighting
• Make sure your car is locked and all windows are closed
• Never leave your keys in the car even for a short time
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than risk injury
• If at all suspicious go into the nearest shop and ask them to call the police.

Comments

The Newtownards Town Centre CCTV scheme is administered by the Borough Inspector's Office of Ards Borough Council. The Office may be contacted at 2 Church Street, Newtownards BT23 4LZ, Tel 028 9182 4005, Fax 028 9182 4071 or by email at ards@ards-council.go.uk.

Commitment to our customers

The staff undertake to:

• be pleasant, helpful and courteous at all times
• act with fairness, integrity and impartiality, according equal respect to all
• identify themselves to all their customers
• respond to all enquiries requiring a written response within five working days
• give information and advice to customers on all areas of their work
• answer the majority of telephone calls within ten seconds

How to tell us what you think

If you are pleased or dissatisfied with any aspect of the service provided by the Borough Inspector's Office, then we would like to hear from you. Comments and complaints will help us improve our service.

If you have a complaint you can raise it informally with the person you have been dealing with. However, if you prefer, or are still not satisfied, you can contact, by telephone or by letter, the Borough Inspector who will deal with your complaint in the first instance. If you complain in writing, your complaint will be acknowledged within three working days. We will investigate any complaint thoroughly and give a response within ten working days.

If, after contacting the Borough Inspector you are still not satisfied, then you can write to the Chief Executive, who will also respond to your complaint within 10 working days.

If you are still not satisfied you can contact the Northern Ireland Ombudsman at 0800 34 34 24 or by writing to The Ombudsman, Freepost, Belfast BT1 6BR.

Acknowledgement

Ards Borough Council would like to acknowledge the guidance and financial support provided by the Northern Ireland Office's Community Safety Unit in helping establish the Newtownards Town Centre CCTV scheme.

Working in partnership to make Ards a safer place.