THE locations that are set to see an increase in CCTV in Southampton have been announced in a bid to combat crime. 

Southampton City Council has announced the locations as part of the Citywatch partnership which was set up to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime. 

It comes as £100,000 was granted for the scheme in 2021, and a further £160,000 was agreed as part of the authority's 2022/2023 budget setting. 

Now, the following locations are set to see additional cameras: 

  • Broad Green/ Cossack Green
  • Cumbrian Way
  • Daisy Dip play area
  • Empress Road
  • Garton Road/ Itchen Bridge
  • Redbridge Towers
  • Riverside Park/ Cobden Bridge
  • Sturminster House
  • Millbrook Towers/ Mansel Park
  • Weston Parade
  • Windermere Avenue

The news follows a review by the city council into the CCTV cameras that exist within the Citywatch network which has now been used to help inform where additional CCTV would be of most benefit.

The analysis also looked at the locations where the most crime had been reported. 

Extra CCTV at Shirley Towers, International Way, Hightown Towers, Dumbleton Towers, Millbank House and Albion Towers will also form part of the review.

READ MORE: Police to use dispersal order in Millbrook near Towers and shops

Communities, culture and heritage boss, Cllr Spiros Vassiliou, said: “Anti-social behaviour can devastate the lives of victims and communities which can sometimes lead to more serious crime.

"CCTV is a proven tool in helping to detect crimes and helping to identify perpetrators, but it is not a single solution.

"The investment towards our CCTV network is part of an entire system approach in helping to make our city a better and safer place to live, including the recent grants awarded to community groups and organisations from the Community Fund."

Now the authority says it is working with partners to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed "as soon as possible". 

The investment will also go towards three new rapidly deployable solar-powered cameras which can be easily moved depending on need.

These will be trialled at three locations that are notorious for fly-tipping.

Cllr Vassilliou added: “We continue to work closely with the Police and city partners to support our communities to be safe, build resilience and increase feelings of safety when in public, but we also need the goodwill of our communities to work together to reduce harm and create more opportunity for all.”