HC Deb 15 February 1999 vol 325 cc505-6W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned into the effectiveness of CCTV in detecting crime. [70403]

Mr. Boateng

The Home Office Police Research Group study "CCTV in Town Centres: Three Case Studies" has shown that closed circuit television (CCTV) can be effective in reducing crime and the fear of crime, when used as part of a wider strategy.

The Home Office keeps under review the research literature on CCTV and we will be assessing the evaluations of effectiveness produced by the schemes which received funding under the CCTV Challenge Competition as they become available.

Mr. Todd

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage further investment in closed circuit television systems intended to reduce crime. [70751]

Mr. Boateng

Over 170 closed circuit television (CCTV) schemes will receive funding this year under the CCTV Challenge scheme.

In addition, as part of the £250m crime reduction programme, at least £50m will be invested over the next three years in 500 local projects to tackle domestic burglary. The first 60 of these projects are currently being developed to start in April, and some may include CCTV as part of their approach.