CCTV hub manager eager for new recruits to help tackle crime

Volunteers from Westbury have been encouraged to join a dedicated team which keeps a watchful eye over the town.

The Warminster and Westbury CCTV partnership operates 45 high-definition cameras which span over Warminster, Westbury and the West Wilts Trading Estate.

Mark Chalmers, who previously worked for the army and Avon and Somerset Police, heads up a team of paid and volunteer staff at a special location in Warminster, which isn’t publicised due to security reasons.

He said, “There’s a lot of teamwork here and a strong feeling of wanting to give back to the community.

“I started about three-and-a-half years ago in a completely different building with an old analogue system. The cameras were robust, but the images weren’t much good.

“Councillors agreed we needed an update and we updated the system about two years ago. It’s totally different now, the images are incredibly clear.”

A standard shift at the CCTV hub might see staff scanning screens for missing persons, anti-social behaviour, car accidents, shoplifting or movement of drugs through the area.

Once someone spots something amiss on one of the monitors, they can inform the police who will allocate an officer to the incident.   

Volunteers help bolster the team – and more are always welcome to join the ranks.

Rod Grey from Westbury has been a volunteer with the CCTV hub since September 2023. He previously worked in the motor trade.

Rod said, “My wife saw the advert in the White Horse News and thought it could be something interesting I could do now that I’m retired.

“It’s really interesting and we have a really good time here. It’s a great team and it feels like we’re putting something back into the community.”

Meanwhile Glen Mitchell, also from Westbury, started as a volunteer with Mark and now is a paid staff member.

He said, “There’s great camaraderie here. I come from a military background, that feeling of camaraderie is something you miss when you leave the Forces. It’s nice to give back.

“It might be a small contribution we make, but it does all add up and really help the police. Without us, I think they’d be up a stream without a paddle.”

In one notable incident, the CCTV team played a pivotal role in tracking down an escaped prisoner in Warminster. In another, camera footage helped recover £1,500 of goods stolen from Sports Direct in the town.

A radio system now links up shops in town with the CCTV hub, which means staff can ring Mark’s team to alert them of any potential suspects to look out for.

Mark added, “The crimes we typically see in Westbury are shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. In Warminster, we’ve seen anti-social behaviour as well, but also a few assaults.

“When we see someone do something they shouldn’t, we get a real feeling of satisfaction when the police catch up to them. It’s an adrenaline rush.”

Pictured: Lenn Mitchell, Mark Chalmers and Rod Grey at the Warminster and Westbury CCTV hub