England Riots 'Changed Public Attitudes Towards CCTV' Survey Claims

Riot Convictions Have 'Changed Public Attitude To CCTV' Survey Claims
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Public support for CCTV camera surveillance has been strengthened by its role in helping to identify and prosecute rioters in England, a survey has found.

One third of people surveyed said their support for CCTV use had increased since the August disorder.

Surveillance specialist Synectics interviewed 2,027 people in the wake of the riots.

Azadar Shah, managing director of the company, said the role of CCTV had changed its image amongst many people wary of the technology invading their privacy.

"Security camera footage played a high-profile role in the riots and this appears to have made a strong impact on public support, with nine out of 10 people actively supporting the use of CCTV footage to identify rioters".

It found 72 per cent of participants would be worried if their local council reduced CCTV security in order to save money, and that 62 per cent wanted to see more cameras in their local area.

In Bristol alone, 127 rioters were captured on camera, leading to 59 being charged.

"Without CCTV footage it would have been virtually impossible to identify the individuals involved", Gordon Mclanaghan from Bristol City Council said.