Andover BID has announced that town centre CCTV cameras are now being actively monitored on Friday and Saturday evenings, marking a significant step forward in efforts to improve safety and reduce crime in the town centre.
The initiative is the result of close collaboration between Andover BID, Hampshire Police’s Andover Neighbourhoods Team, and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).
For some time, local businesses have raised concerns about the lack of live monitoring of the existing CCTV network. In response, the Andover Neighbourhoods Team developed a bespoke training package, delivered in partnership with the Special Constabulary, enabling officers to become qualified “super users” of the system.
The new arrangement means Special Constables can now monitor the cameras in real time during the town’s busiest nights, spotting incidents as they occur and guiding local officers to respond swiftly and effectively.
The three-month trial will allow police to take a more intelligence-led approach during night-time patrols, improving community safety and helping to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
If the pilot proves successful, police have indicated that the model could be extended to daytime operations, focusing on issues such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
Andover BID said it was pleased to see the strong partnership between local authorities, the police, and the business community continuing to deliver practical results for the town:
“This collaborative approach shows what can be achieved when we work together to make Andover town centre an even safer place to live, work and visit.”