HC Deb 09 May 1986 vol 97 c283W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the stations on the London Underground currently equipped with close circuit television systems for the detection of crime.

Mr. David Mitchell

There are forty-one stations equipped with closed circuit television for surveillance purposes.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the stations on the London Underground which are shortly to be equipped with close-circuit television systems for the detection of crime.

Mr. David Mitchell

Recently authorisation for a further 37 stations to be equipped with CCTV was given. The detection of crime will form part of the equipment's role.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many crimes were detected on the London Underground by closed circuit television in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Mr. David Mitchell

No separate record is kept of crimes detected by CCTV. It is used on a day-to-day basis by the British Transport police for monitoring parts of the Underground particularly prone to pick-pocketing and crimes of violence. A dual benefit is gained from the improved deployment of resources and more discreet surveillance. In this role the use of this facility has been important in the chain of events leading to the arrest and prosecution of offenders. There is also reason to believe that the use of CCTV has a marked deterrent effect on potential offenders on stations where it is in use.