Perimeter intrusion detection – remote camera to reduce repeat victimisation

This initiative aims to manage sites of interest covertly and overtly to: 

• counter emerging crime threats 

• speed up police response

• allow the police to cover more ground without increasing police patrols

• amplify the presence of the police, even in remote areas

• break up patterns of offending

• Build victim satisfaction and confidence with the police, as repeat victimisation is reduced or stopped at the identified locations. While the crime prevention team works on delivering security advice, this temporary solution gets the discussion going with security and shows willingness from the force to support the victim of crime.

• Increased detection of crime and chances of catching offenders by speeding up a police response. Can be used alongside more covert equipment for earlier notification.

• Change staff mindset by thinking we can catch offenders with the right solution and approach, even in remote areas. This idea focuses on prevention, but has an end result with detection if offenders continue to target the identified location with deployed perimeter intrusion detection systems.

Northamptonshire Police operationally selects sites they believe are at risk of repeat victimisation of burglary or theft, or where there is intelligence to suggest further crime could occur at that site. These sites are loaned intrusion detective cameras from the security firm PID Systems. The cameras have been designed in police colours to counter emerging crime threats and have 360-degree coverage.

Behaviour that triggers the camera’s sensors are sent to the PID System central monitoring station. If the trigger is perceived to be suspicious, they will communicate with Northamptonshire Police control room, who will deploy further action if necessary. This technology therefore acts as a ‘silent police officer’, allowing the force to cover more ground without physically being present.

Funding has also been allocated to signpost areas that have these detective cameras installed, to act as a deterrent to potential criminals.

These cameras are provided on a loan and the equipment is removed after 30 days. However, the client is provided with the opportunity to pay for an extension if they see the value of the product.

No evaluation has been conducted yet.

The evaluation plans to use crime data from the force to compare the number of crimes in the locality before and after deployment. This will examine whether sites with the equipment were targeted during deployment. Victims will also be invited to provide feedback via a survey.

• Improves overall customer service and satisfaction by seeing security and crime prevention as part of the solution and weaving in a policing response. This formula is powerful and results in a more efficient and professional policing service that supports victims of crime.
• No site has experienced further crime since the deployments, indicating early signs of success.
• There are fewer victims of crime, criminals are cut off from targeting the site further, and police have genuine chances of catching offenders by speeding up the police response.
• After 30 days the equipment is removed, but eight out of 10 times the client continues to pay for the extension as they see the value in the product.

• Equipment must only be installed for 30 days, which prompts the victim to take action. It was found that eight out of 10 victims tend to carry this service on after the 30 funded days.
• Terms and conditions must be watertight to avoid any disputes regarding cost beyond the 30 days.
• Promotion and marketing of the products were important in ensuring the public was on board with this temporary solution to repeat victimisation, and therefore ensuring the project was a success.

The crime reduction toolkit does not include best-available evidence on the use of perimeter intrusion detection remote cameras. It does include the best-available evidence on closed-circuit television (CCTV).