Criminals have been warned that an upgraded CCTV network in Durham City will make it easier for police to spot crimes and violence. 

New funding has allowed Durham County Council to replace the 34 cameras in the city, which now provide better-quality images and increase the police’s chances of catching criminals. 

The upgrade occurred after Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen invested £141,840 from the government’s Safer Streets programme. 

PCC Allen said she will continue to improve safety in public spaces for women and girls. 

“While this latest upgrade shows the significant progress that we are making, I won’t stop pushing for more,” she said.

“I am determined to oversee the strengthening and upgrading of CCTV provision across County Durham and Darlington in a bid to deny criminals the opportunity to make people a victim.”

Durham City businesses have urged the local authorities to improve the CCTV system to improve public safety. Police officers recently vowed to make the city centre safer after new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour were approved. 

A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) will be introduced to tackle behaviours including begging, urinating in the street and the use of intoxicating substances.

Anyone breaching the order could receive a £100 fine. 

More than 400 residents and businesses responded to a questionnaire on the PSPO, with 83 per cent of people either strongly supporting or supporting plans for a PSPO to be introduced to control begging. 

Almost 90 per cent backed a PSPO to control urinating and the use of intoxicating substances.

Inspector Dave Clarke, of the Durham City neighbourhood team, said: “I hope that the installation of the new cameras reassures residents and business owners that we are listening to their concerns and taking positive action to improve confidence within the city.

“The cameras, in addition to the newly introduced Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) will help further protect Durham, preventing crime and providing clear evidence to allow us to identify and convict those who are responsible for crime and disorder.

“We hope Durham’s residents and visitors feel much safer knowing these new cameras are in place.”

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The new cameras will be monitored 24 hours a day by council officers. 

John Shuttleworth, cabinet member for rural communities, highways and community safety, said: “These higher definition CCTV cameras will capture much clearer images, making it easier for CCTV operators to monitor, detect and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. 

“They will also play a key role in securing justice for victims while serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals.”