AN Asda customer was arrested for drink driving after police were alerted by supermarket security staff who smelled booze on his breath.
It was the latest swoop in St Helens, the town that seems to have transformed itself into a true life version of the Truman story.
In St Helens, the cameras have netted a driver not wearing a seat belt, and somebody using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle
Closed circuit TV cameras are being used to zoom in on wrongdoers, with the long arm of the law ready to swoop.
It poses the question: What are those spy in the sky cameras really for?
Many people feel content that the presence of the eagle-eyed cameras are there to ensure public safety and to avert disorder.
In St Helens, the cameras have netted a driver not wearing a seat belt, and somebody using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Not exactly Old Bailey stuff, but could this high level spying actually deter people from venturing into the town centre?
St Helens
Even law abiding people may be reluctant to venture into a town where cameras are watching everyone, even for what are considered to be minor offences.
Perhaps they should erect signs at the borough boundary … smile (but keep your eyes on the road) you’re on our candid camera.
St Helens Council says more offenders are getting caught on camera as part of a fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. Here's the latest dossier:
-
Security staff at Asda in the town centre alerted CCTV staff to a male customer, smelling of alcohol, who had left their store. A St Helens Chamber Shopwatch radio system is used to keep in touch with the CCTV office and inform staff of the male’s actions. He is watched wandering around the car park in an apparent attempt to locate his vehicle. When he eventually leaves, police officers stop him and he is arrested for drink driving. A test reveals he is well over the legal limit and is charged.
-
Police share intelligence with CCTV staff about a vehicle acting suspiciously. They ask to be informed if the car is seen on camera. CCTV staff spot the car and inform the police. The male is using a mobile telephone and this info is relayed to the police. Using this valuable intelligence from the camera operators, officers issue a £60 penalty to the driver who also gets three penalty points.
-
Cameras being monitored by staff observe a male and female in a black Ford vehicle. This Bonnie and Clyde are not wearing seat belts and police are alerted. Two fixed penalty tickets are issued.
The cameras also help in the arrest of a man ejected from a local pub, arrested for drunk and disorder and a second man thrown out of a bar by staff who (rightly) suspect he has drugs.
Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection and Safer Communities said: "The close partnership working underlines how our bank of CCTVs are helping to make our town centre and streets safer for the benefit of residents and people who shop and visit our town."
It proves one thing ….with modern camera technology there’s no hiding place.
Question …. Would this high level of CCTV surveillance put you off visiting St Helens?
