CCTV cameras have been operational in Enniskillen for just over one month and, already the scheme has been successful in helping fight crime in the town.
This was the message from Chief Inspector Alywin Barton when he spoke at its official launch in the Townhall in Enniskillen last week.
The initiative, consisting of seven CCTV cameras, was launched by Criminal Justice Minister, Paul Goggins as part of the Government's continuing commitment to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Goggins said: "The cameras will be a valuable addition in Enniskillen and will provide extra reassurance to members of the public and the business community that they can go about their daily lives with confidence.
"Feedback from other schemes have been very positive", he stated. "It indicates public support that the cameras not only act as a deterrent but also that they enable the rapid deployment of the police to deal with incidents as they occur.
"The business community in Enniskillen have demonstrated their commitment by pledging their financial support over the longer term. CCTV is here to stay."
The Minister also acknowledged the partnership working between the NIO, Fermanagh District Council, PSNI, and the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), and he paid tribute to all those involved in the Enniskillen scheme right through from initial application to 'going live'.
The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Thomas O'Reilly welcomed the Minister.
"Fermanagh is fortunate', he stated, " in having one of the lowest business crime rates in the country, but we in Fermanagh District Council are not complacent. Through the Fermanagh District Policing Partnership and Community Safety Partnership, the key aims are to reduce crime and the fear of crime and make policing more efficient".
He suggested that local partnership was the key to the success of this CCTV Scheme.
"The Council and the town traders have come together", he went on, " to fund the annual running costs of the project, but the scheme also provides an opportunity for the District Council and the local police to work in co-operation to address key crime and policing issues in Enniskillen town centre".
Mr O'Reilly said it was a partnership with a local businesses, McElwaine SMART Technologies, and he was delighted that this local business had taken on the monitoring arrangements for the Scheme. Malcolm Sloan spoke on behalf of the CCTV Traders Working Group.
"We hear the term 'partnership' bandied about, but the launch of the CCTV Scheme is the culmination of true partnership working. The initiative was taken by the Enniskillen traders. To put this concept into practice, Fermanagh District Council assisted in obtaining the funds, both in terms of capital costs through the Northern Ireland Office and running costs, through the Council.
"I believe", Mr Sloan went on, "that everyone recognises that CCTV is not the answer to crime. It is however in the front line in the fight against crime and the fear of crime in our community. We want to improve the quality of life for our community and make people feel safe where they live, work, shop and socialise. In the fight against criminality in our society, we must be willing to embrace new concepts and ideas in order to exploit initiatives like CCTV to their full potential.
"By taking advantage of this type of advanced technology, we can continue to tackle those issues which affect our communities most, such as anti social behaviour and crime."
Mr Sloan stated that Enniskillen businesses were determined to address the problems which adversely affected the town.
"The recent Business Watch initiative has been a great success', he reported, "with over half the town businesses already signed up. The launch of the CCTV Scheme sends out another clear message that unacceptable behaviour, such as crime or anti social behaviour will not be tolerated. All these initiatives help to make Enniskillen in particular and County Fermanagh in general one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Ireland."
Chief Inspector Alywin Barton explained the scheme has already reaped rewards, and he commended businesses in Enniskillen who had dipped their hands in their pockets and supported the investment of the Council, Community Safety and the Police.
"This shows real ownership for the town and is a glowing example of the sense of community that exists within the business fraternity. It has ensured that not only has it been possible to bring a CCTV Scheme to Enniskillen but that its' future can be sustained."
Chief Inspector Barton reported that success had already been experienced on both the social and business fronts; however, as these were still under process, people would have to wait for details through the court results in the media.
"But, I can assure you that monitoring is working, access is effective and criminals are being apprehended as a result of it", he stated.
The scheme was also welcomed by Enniskillen SDLP Councillors Frank Britton and Patricia Rogers, and by the Fermanagh-South Tyrone Assembly member, Tom Elliott.
