Letter: We Need More Cameras to Counter Antisocial Behaviour

Published on: 6 Sep, 2022
Updated on: 6 Sep, 2022

From: M Durant

In response to: Cafe That Supports Community Youth Projects Vandalised

There has been a lot of antisocial behaviour in Guildford lately, including the breaking of two benches near the pond in the Castle Grounds. One afternoon one bench was moved and put in a different location.

Nearly every weekend I have witnessed street fights near McDonald’s, by the Friary Centre, in North Street. I have also seen the police inside TKMax because of teenagers throwing merchandise at each other and onto the floor. What a spectacle!

Cameras are needed inside of the Castle Grounds near the pond and the bandstand; the antisocial behaviour starts from 5pm onwards there.

Cameras are also needed in other areas of Guildford and strong policies against anyone displaying antisocial behaviour.

Also in the particular area near the Hideaway Cafe addicts tend to congregate in groups. I don’t walk there any longer it doesn’t feel safe.

Responses to Letter: We Need More Cameras to Counter Antisocial Behaviour

Dave Middleton Reply

September 7, 2022 at 12:23 pm

While cameras may help in bringing offenders to book after an offence has been committed, regrettably they do not prevent crime or anti-social behaviour.

There was, allegedly, an initial reduction when they were first introduced on a large scale some years ago, but there are so many of them now and they have become such a part of day-to-day life that their presence is generally ignored, if noticed at all.

What is needed is a regular, old-fashioned, uniformed police presence in the town and its suburbs. Not an occasional police car driving past, but officers on foot and in a position to deter and deal with such behaviour as it happens.

Yes, police cannot be everywhere, but the current absence of police “on the ground” means there is little prospect of being caught and absolutely nil deterrent effect.