A local resident has been in touch about new CCTV cameras put up in the Holt Park Area. I contacted the Council for clarification and the reply I received is set out in the email below:
"It is one of ours – an email is on the way to you to explain LASBT (Anti-Social Behaviour Team) had some external funding for these cameras. Apologies that a query has been received by you before the email outlining the reason for installation has been sent. The cameras were installed on Friday. 2 cameras are installed in your ward and will be in place until the 31st March 2025.
- Holt Park- Near the tennis courts behind HIGH FARM PUB, near the top end of FARRAR LANE, ADEL, due to ASB and youth crime.
- The other side of the road along HOLT ROAD/HOLT PARK ROAD junction to cover some of the front / car park. Due to ASB and Youth Crime.
This camera has been installed [and will be in place] for a period of 12 months, with the intention to disrupt youth crime and anti social behaviour. The location has been chosen based on a joint decision by the Police and LASBT to tackle youth crime and ASB on the opposite side to the houses. The camera is a pan, tilt and zoom cameras (can be moved around) and will be pointed predominately in the direction away from the houses – where the issues have been occurring, unless there is an incident to deal with near the houses. The cameras will not be used to invade privacy or look into residents houses or gardens as this is strictly forbidden under our CCTV code of practice. I can also confirm that our CCTV Operators are trained to the national Security Industry standards and are fully trained and briefed on the need for privacy and GDPR regulations.
Because the Police and LASBT have jointly requested these cameras we don’t routinely contact residents or consult with them for such deployments, as you are aware it is usually residents who request CCTV. However, I think [your resident] has raised a valid point in relation to those properties close to the cameras and I will pick this up with the engineers to ensure they engage with residents in a similar position in the future and assure residents we have taken steps to protect their privacy.
I am the Problem Solving Manager for Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team. Safer Leeds secured funding to develop a new project to reduce calls to the service and crimes within problematic areas.
A part of the funding secured was the deployment of Temporary overt CCTV cameras as a preventative measure."
