Mobile CCTV van to cut Wimbledon street crime

If you see this police vehicle as you're walking down the street in Wimbledon - smile - because they could be filming you.

This new Ford Transit Mobile CCTV van has been assigned to Merton Borough Police and is aimed at cutting street crime.

Looking like a standard police van, the CCTV unit features six cameras giving full

coverage of the surrounding area, recording images in a hi-def colour format.

The system is also equipped with infrared and other systems.

It's primary role is to prevent street crime and deter anti-social behaviour, as well as providing evidence for investigations where appropriate, and to reassure communities, businesses and families that police are actively working to ensure Merton is taking an active stance on crime.

Local police teams have been trained to use the vehicle and it's systems, which can

operate in any public place.

Sergeant Tony Oram, from the Wimbledon Town Centre Team, said "Our Mobile CCTV van is a major step forward in our street safety capability. The flexibility which this van offers is matched by the rigid procedures in place governing how the vehicle can be used.

"For example we will only film in public areas, with full respect for privacy and relevant

legislation. The van is all about letting criminals and offenders know we are keeping an

eye on public spaces such as shopping areas for example. If we prevent just one street

crime that otherwise may have happened to an innocent victim, then the CCTV van has

served it's purpose well."