Live monitoring of security cameras focused on the grounds and
communal areas of flats in Walsall begins this week.
whg has fitted CCTV to six of its blocks of flats across the
borough to safeguard customers and their property.
Smith House and Thomas House in Bloxwich, Jones House in
Birchills, and Barleyfields House, Orlando House and Newhall House,
all Caldmore, have received the boost to security.
Footage will be streamed to a control room and monitored by a
surveillance officer from Thursday.
The cameras - which are recording around the clock - have been
trained on all the shared and public parts of the blocks including
the grounds, car parks, hallways, landings, lifts and lounges.
whg's Community Safety Team, which has coordinated the pilot
project, has made special arrangements for a swift response to
anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime caught on any of the
cameras.
The team will work with whg contractor Pro-Guard Security, West
Midlands Police and Walsall Council's environmental health team to
ensure incidents are dealt with as they unfold.
Gary Brookes, Head of Housing Neighbourhood Services, said the
aim of the investment was to make customers feel safer, deter
anti-social behaviour and crime and capture evidence of illegal
activity.
He said: "We want our customers to feel safe and sound in their
homes and when out and about in the surrounding area. We will
actively monitor the footage and will not hesitate to take action
against individuals found to be disturbing the peace of the wider
community."
The pilot will be reviewed in 12 months when CCTV could be
fitted at other whg blocks of flats if it has proved a success.
Residents should report ASB to whg's Community Safety Team on
0300 555 6666.