Chris visited Viking Garages West End proprietor Neil Evans has installed a nine camera CCTV system to cover not only his garage forecourt but also parts of the village centre and local shops. These high quality cameras have already proved useful in help police catch people responsible for breaking the flower shop window and a number of other incidents.
Mr Evans had originally contacted the MP and local councillors requesting help in tackling damage and vandalism both at the garage and public areas in the village. Now thanks to a £2,000 contribution from Eastleigh Borough Council’s Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee the village is under 24 hour surveillance from the nine camera based at Viking Garage.
Commenting on the improvements made by Mr Evans local councillor David Goodall said:-
“This system of great benefit to the village and the pay back in terms of catching the people responsible for damage in the village has already paid off. And I am sure the people of West End are very grateful to Mr Evans for installing the system in the way he has done.”
“This system complements greatly the £6,760 invested early in the year by the Local Area Committee to cover the rest of the High Street using a system based above Netto’s”
Chair of the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee George Fraser was pleased that the Council was able to help improve safety for the local community.
“It is vitally important that antisocial behaviour is addressed, that safety is maintained and the fear of crime is reduced for our residents. These new measures will certainly go a long way towards achieving this. I can also confirm that the Police have already commented very favourably on the new camera system which will provide them with exceptionally high quality images of key areas and retail outlets in West End village centre.”