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Otley's new CCTV cameras could make a 'life or death' difference says victim of gang attack
THE VICTIM of a violent attack in Otley believes the town centre's new CCTV cameras could make a "life or death" difference.
Five six-metre high pole-mounted cameras, paid for by Leeds City Council with a £19,300 contribution from the Town Council, have just become operational.
The police believe they will deter crime and anti-social behaviour and help them catch those responsible.
Rachel Connor, who was hurt while trying to stop a vicious gang attack on her sister, Kelsey, and her boyfriend John outside the Rose and Crown pub in April, agrees.
The 25-year-old freelance writer said: "I think it's a great thing, I really do, and I believe it will help.
"Some people would say it's a bit of an invasion of privacy but that's a small price to pay for the peace of mind having the cameras will bring.
"From my personal experience my memory was quite hazy after the attack and so was Kelsey's, and John couldn't remember who had attacked him.
"If there had been a camera there that caught a strong image of the attack it would have saved a lot of time in identifying those responsible.
"I know when someone's really drunk they're not really thinking about whether there's surveillance around, they're just thinking about hurting somebody - so I'm not sure if it will deter them.
"But anyone with a bit of sense might think about the consequences and if there are cameras everywhere think twice.
"If it's a gang of ten and even only three or four decide not to get involved in an attack because of the cameras, that could make a life or death difference to the person being attacked.
"I also think it should be mandatory for places like pubs to have CCTV and for it to be switched on and accessible to the police."
The attack left 20-year-old John Bristow, who was visiting Kelsey Connor's family in Otley, with serious facial injuries and a broken jaw.
Otley's new cameras, which will be linked to Weetwood Police Station, have gone up in Kirkgate, Manor Square, Boroughgate and Cross Green.
Otley Police Inspector Simon Hepworth said: "We fully support the installation of CCTV in Otley and Yeadon.
"It's something we have been asking for for some considerable time and the council has supported it as well.
"We believe there are significant potential benefits in terms of helping us deal with alcohol related disorder and similar offences in the town centre.
"Otley is a safe and very pleasant place but these cameras will help us deter and deal with those sporadic incidents which do occur.
"We also work with the licensed traders on issues through Pubwatch. We expect pubs to take responsibility for running safe and orderly premises and for the most part they do that.
"And when problems do occur we know we can rely, almost without exception, on their co-operation."
Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: "CCTV does work and this will give the message out so people know they can't come to Otley or Yeadon to cause wanton trouble.
"The key point is that Otley and Yeadon aren't dangerous or unsafe places but people are worried about threats to their safety from random acts of anti-social behaviour.
"If the CCTV helps increase the confidence of people and reduce the fear of crime it will be a big help. And it will also let us monitor what's happening and hopefully get results.
"This is one of the things we promised when we got elected in 2004 and although it's taken a few years, as these things do, I'm delighted we've got there. It was a collaborative effort by the city council, town council and police, who gave it their full backing."
5:49pm Friday 27th June 2008
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CommentPosted by: From Otley, Otley on 1:30pm Fri 4 Jul 08
It would have been cheaper to take away the late night licence at the Rose and Crown. How the police allow this pub to continue to stay open is beyond me. They must get called out here every single weekend to an incident.
It would have been cheaper to take away the late night licence at the Rose and Crown. How the police allow this pub to continue to stay open is beyond me. They must get called out here every single weekend to an incident.
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