Three more sentenced and another found guilty for crimes thanks to Council’s CCTV and Humberside Police

The individuals were found guilty of various crimes ranging from criminal damage to assaulting an emergency worker, resulting in prison sentences and fines.

The £2.25 million security system was introduced in 2023 and has been invaluable in helping combat crime, especially in Grimsby Town Centre.

The control room works to capture events as they happen, but also stores footage to be used retrospectively by emergency services as evidence. Alternatively, the cameras can be used to monitor an ongoing situation should they be requested to by Humberside Police.

Ultimately, this partnership working is aiming to create a safer borough with a joined up approach that works effectively to tackling crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.

In 2024, crime reduced by 11% in the town centre over the 12-month period with huge reductions in Anti-Social Behaviour and alcohol related crimes.

The system and close working relationship with Humberside Police ensures that those who commit crimes continue to be brought to justice. When an incident occurs, operators can alert the Police for an immediate response or provide further video evidence to support an investigation.

In February this year, CCTV helped identify one man pleaded guilty to common assault of an emergency worker and was sentenced to 28 weeks in prison.

Another man pleaded guilty in February of one count of criminal damage valued over £5000; three counts of criminal damage under £5000 and one count of affray and is awaiting sentencing.

In a separate incident, a separate man was found guilty of one count of criminal damage to property valued under £5000 and two counts of common assault of an emergency worker.

On this occasion, he was given a Community order of 80 hours unpaid work over the course of 12 months; ordered to pay £85 in legal costs and a victim surcharge of £114. In these instances, CCTV helped with the identification of the perpetrators.

In the most recent case, a woman pleaded guilty to a range of charges including harassment without violence; use threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

She was sentenced to an 18-month long Community Order requiring her to attend 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity and to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months.

Speaking about the positive impact of CCTV, Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “These results are fantastic. We are dedicated to making this borough a safe and welcoming place.

“We will not tolerate anyone breaking the law and are incredibly proud of our partnership with Humberside Police in working to bring these people to justice.”

Chief Inspector Steve Peck added:  "Working together with North East Lincolnshire Council, we remain dedicated to tackling crime and supporting our community. As a key partner in preventing crime and disorder, the Council’s CCTV system has been invaluable.

“Its coverage and high-quality evidence have played an important role in supporting investigations and enabling swift action to keep our communities safe.

“We hope the presence of CCTV serves as a strong deterrent, discouraging criminal activity and contributing to a safer environment for all."