Now you CCTV 'em ... now you don't

The latest topic for debate seems to be the issue of funding CCTV cameras in the town.
One local shopkeeper has gone on record to say that if the cameras go, he will have to shut up shop.
We can't quite follow the logic of this, as the police will be as available as ever they were - albeit on the end of a phone rather than a hand held radio.
A letter writer to one of the local papers argues the need to keep CCTV because of the ever-dwindling number of policemen on the streets.
This is a silly argument.
The police service is larger than it was a few years ago, and has been heavily augmented by the addition of the chocolate teapot squad - better known as the PCSOs.
And if that were not enough, Lincolnshire Police are now trying to recruit more Special Constables.
No, a shortage of officers is not the problem.
The problem is that they are not where they need to be - out on the streets, doing the job they were recruited for, and not organising football matches, litter picking sessions, manning crime prevention exhibitions and filling in endless forms.
Another problem about CCTV is that it is wise after the event.
CCTV of itself does not solve crime, and we rather doubt that it acts as much of a deterrent.
What it does is occasionally to gather evidence after a crime is committed that helps identify the offender.
This is of little use to the victim - in fact it adds insult to injury .... quite literally.
If the police had been out and about a crime might have been prevented, and a victim spared loss or harm.
The same applies to roadside traffic cameras.
All they do is provide evidence to fine a motorist.
If a speeding driver flashes past a camera at 80mph in a 40mph area, there is nothing wrong with sending a bill for the transgression through the post.
But if, half a minute later, that driver loses control and ploughs into a pedestrian walking along the pavement, nothing has been achieved or prevented except an avoidable casualty.
In fact in the last day or two there have been stories in the national newspapers claiming that the use of cameras on a stretch of motorway have led to an increase in accidents rather than the reverse.
For once, we think that Boston Borough Council is bang on the money when it suggests that vast sums can be saved by withdrawing the CCTV funding.
If maintenance of law and order is so important to the police, then let them fund it.

Tomorrow, look out for our postcode crime quiz for another example of how the gathering of statistics for the sake of it can turn out to be completely useless (although it does keep the police out of mischief and off the streets.)

Write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mail will be treated in confidence if requested.