Grimsby town centre made safer as 18 new CCTV cameras installed at Riverhead Square

18 new cameras, managed and operated by North East Lincolnshire Council’s delivery partner Equans, have been installed around the new Riverhead Square to improve safety for residents and visitors.

The CCTV system was introduced in 2022 as part of a £2.25 million overhaul to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across North East Lincolnshire. This system, along with partnership working, has helped to reduce crime by 11% in Grimsby Town centre over the previous 12 months.

From September to December 2024, cameras helped emergency services with 555 incidents including arson, theft and assaults. One example included operators utilising them to follow shoplifters fleeing Freshney Place.

Now, to further improve the public’s safety, North East Lincolnshire Council have installed 18 more cameras at the new Riverhead Square.

A key element of the town’s regeneration, the square was opened in July last year, funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal by His Majesty’s Government, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.

With 7,000 plants, trees and shrubs now in place, a mix of Evergreens are combined with deciduous specimens for year round seasonal planting, giving a natural feel to the square.

Already used for the Grimsby and Clee Eats Street Food Festival, it’s hoped the square can be utilised again for upcoming events with further security provided with the addition of new cameras.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “These new cameras are a great addition to what is already an incredibly successful initiative.

“Our CCTV system is state-of-the-art to help keep this borough safe and feel comfortable whilst walking around areas like Riverhead Square.

“These cameras will undoubtedly build upon the reduction in Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and crime across the area that we are currently experiencing.”