STIRLING Council has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety through the deployment of new state-of-the-art mobile CCTV cameras.

The local authority has purchased 10 new mobile units to complement the 55 fixed CCTV cameras that are already being utilised around Stirling.

Work has also begun installing CCTV cameras in underpasses around Stirling to offer reassurance and protection for users. These new cameras will feed into the Council’s CCTV control room, which is monitored by trained staff within Customer First.

The new mobile CCTV technology will allow greater flexibility to the Council’s Safer Communities Team, helping them work in a more intelligence-driven way.

The cameras will also increase security across Stirling during major events, as the City continues to grow its reputation as a world-class destination for major shows and mass-participation sporting occasions.

A review of intelligence held by Police Scotland and the Safer Communities Team has pinpointed locations right across Stirling where issues such as antisocial behaviour and environmental crime need to be addressed.

Each month the deployment of cameras will be discussed and agreed by the Stirling’s Safer Communities Multi Agency Tasking and Coordinating Group, made up from representatives of key partner agencies, responding to specific intelligence and issues identified.

The cameras can be fixed to the sides of buildings, but more typically are attached to street lighting or similar poles. Solar power canopies and battery packs will allow them to be independently powered and therefore deployed in more remote areas.

Convenor of the Environment and Housing Committee, Councillor Jim Thomson said: “With these new state-of-the-art mobile cameras now being utilised across Stirling, we can confidently say that we are more equipped than ever to make sure the area remains a safe and secure place to live.

“Going forward, we will continue to review CCTV provision within Stirling to see how we can best use any new technology that is available.”

Vice Convenor Danny Gibson said: “I can assure our residents that public safety is high on the list of the Council’s priorities. We work continuously to identify locations where issues such as vandalism or antisocial behaviour are most prevalent.

“In consultation with local communities we will be able to utilise these new mobile cameras, equipped with high quality imaging and long life battery power, in areas where they are of most need.”

Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, Local Area Commander for Stirling said: "Tackling public space violence and other offences, which take place on our streets, is one of our top priorities and we already work closely with our colleagues at Stirling Council on a number of initiatives to keep our communities safe, including the very successful Operation Steadfast.

"The provision of additional CCTV cameras in Stirling will increase our investigative opportunities, as well as serving as a deterrent against such offences occurring in the first instance."