Westbury’s upgraded CCTV system has been credited with reducing anti-social behaviour in the area, according to the Warminster and Westbury CCTV Partnership.
The surveillance network, which was upgraded in 2023 with new wireless high-definition cameras, has played a key role in deterring crime and assisting the police with investigations.
The CCTV hub, located in Warminster, monitors Westbury, Warminster and the West Wiltshire Trading Estate, with 14 cameras in Westbury alone. These cameras utilise advanced four-lensed, 360-degree technology, covering a wide area and displaying 56 images. The upgrade has extended the system’s range and enhanced its ability to record detailed footage.
Mark Chalmers, the CCTV control room manager, said, “Prior to us having this new system, kids were always starting fires round the back of the library on the steps and displaying anti-social behaviour. Since we installed a camera there, there have only been about two incidents in 18 months.”
He also highlighted the role the system plays in supporting the police with drug-related crime, particularly in dealing with the issue of E-scooters being used for drug distribution. “We do a lot of review work for the police. If we capture footage of such activities, we will record it and send it to them,” he said.
The CCTV team is made up of three staff members and ten volunteers. While the system is not monitored all the time, Mark explained that it doesn’t need to be. “We have the same problems as bigger cities but on a smaller scale,” he said. “The technology works so well that constant monitoring isn’t necessary as the footage is stored for 31 days and is available if needed.”
The Warminster and Westbury CCTV Partnership is overseen by a working group of representatives from Warminster Town Council, Westbury Town Council, Wiltshire Council, the Army, Wiltshire Police, West Wilts Trading Estate and local businesses. The success of the CCTV system is built on relationships between these partners to benefit the community.
“Our goal is crime prevention and making the public feel safe,” Mark added. “We are here to serve the communities because they pay for the system, they are taxpayers. There are areas we watch at particular times of the day, but anything can happen anywhere.”
Pictured left: Mark at the hub
