Clippings (Jun-July 2000)Clippings (Jun-July 2000)Cameras that do a vital job (T&A Editorial, 25 July 2000)
Spy cameras aim to cut school bullying (T&A, 25 July 2000)
Traders tune in to stamp out crime (T&A, July 19, 2000)
Bandyleg walk that tripped up a robber (T&A 13 July, 2000)
Cameras on buses in new safety drive (T&A, June28, 2000)
New cash hope for security cameras (T&A, 27 June, 2000)
'Security? It's just a rip-off!' (T&A, June 19, 2000)
Our zero privacy (Nick Cohen, Observer, 18 June 2000)
T&A, June 19, 2000
Angry council tenants claim they are bring "ripped off" by paying for security systems which do not work.
Residents in four high rise blocks on the Thorpe Edge estate say people are still being mugged and entry gained to the flats despite them paying £5.25 a week for manned security cameras.
Peter Hetherell, vice-chairman of the High Rise Tenants and Residents Association, said the problems had increased since security staff were relocated to a nearby block.
"It's a complete shambles. The security doors don't work because of electrical or mechanical faults,'' he said. "During the day, there's a perfect picture from the security cameras, but they're just black when it's dark. And you can't contact security for help because the internal telephone doesn't work.
"We're being ripped off. We were told that the charge we pay was going to be right across the Bradford metropolitan area, but we know that others are only paying about £1.90."
An intercom system designed to stop strangers walking into the blocks no longer worked because security staff failed to challenge them, and cameras had been removed from the lifts, he added.
The four buildings off Haigh Beck View, containing 192 flats, are protected by heavy security doors, intercoms and cameras which used to be monitored by a guard in the Waryn block.
But residents were warned such tight security could cost them more than £12 a week. Instead security staff were moved to a nearby block called York House to cut costs.
A housing spokesman for Bradford Council said they were aware of the residents' concerns about security and the senior housing manager for the estate attended regular meetings.
He said: "A list of points made by the residents will now be raised with council officers and maintenance staff.
"Concerns about security equipment and communal entrance doors will be examined and residents will be given feedback at their next meeting."
T&A, 27 June, 2000
Two new ideas are being put forward to fund security cameras in Silsden.
The town's parish council wants to place two cameras in Kirkgate in a bid to cut crime.
It has been told that Bradford Council does not have the money to pay for the project. Now councillors may seek cash from Europe as part of a new pot of money that has been created.
The parish council also has the option of asking all the town council taxpayers to share the cost, with a small extra charge on residents' bills
Charlotte Stannard, who is co-ordinating bids for the new Euro grants, said the project might qualify for some money but criteria which bids had to meet had not yet been agreed.
She said any grant would have to be matched with funding from the community, but this could include people's time and effort.
The closed circuit televisison project could win funding if it showed that crime or fear of it was preventing Silsden people from going about their normal lives.
The cost of installing a system in the town has been estimated at around £30,000, plus a yearly amount for maintaining the scheme.
T&A, June28, 2000
The first closed circuit television cameras have been fitted to a bus in Keighley to improve security and safety for customers and drivers.
The latest £125,000 single decker "kneeling" bus, which lowers to allow easy access, has four cameras.
And every new bus introduced to the 95-strong Keighley & District Travel fleet will be fitted with similar cameras. More are should arrive in the autumn or early next year.
The system is unusual because as well as keeping an eye on what's going on inside the bus, one camera points ahead to monitor movement of traffic.
It is being introduced following a recent call by Transport Minister, Keith Hill, for bus operators to have greater regard for the safety and security of passengers, especially women, who form the highest percentage of bus users, especially when travelling alone.
Managing director Stuart Wilde said: "Three cameras are mounted inside the bus, two covering the whole of the interior from front to rear whilst a third watches all boarding and alighting movements at the door.
"The fourth camera is fitted outside the bus, looking ahead to monitor the movements of other traffic, including any inconsiderate parking and infringements at bus stops."
The bus will be used on the route between Keighley, Bingley, Saltaire and Bradford, the company's flagship service.
A company spokesman said the cameras would continually record events inside and outside the bus and the film could be used to highlight difficulties or vandalism.
The forward looking camera would record any inconsiderate driving by other road users, particularly vehicles which caused problems at bus stops.
It was hoped it would have an impact on the number of unfair claims by other drivers against the bus company. Investigation by experts from an insurance company had found recent claims to be fraudulent, he said.
Brian Parry, 56, operations controller, added: "It also helps us record instances of indiscriminate parking where people leave their cars near bus stops. It means we can't get the bus near the curb and so the low entrance step isn't as effective."
Keighley driver Tim Always, 35, added: "The CCTV gives us back up when we have instances involving other road users."
Closed circuit television is also in use on First Bradford's 220-strong fleet. But all the cameras point inside the buses to monitor the safety and security of passengers.
Brandon Jones, the company's marketing officer, said CCTV cameras were fitted on 11 articulated buses introduced on the 617 and 618 Bradford-Allerton route.
The buses are 59 feet long and have two cameras linked to a screen so the driver can keep an eye on passengers throughout the vehicle.
"These 11 buses are part of 88 new buses - a mixture of single decker and double decker - which are coming to Bradford this year," he said.
T&A 13 July, 2000
The bandy-legged swagger of the man on the right proved to be his downfall.
For it nailed him as Bradford jewellery robber John Saunders.
His walk was so distinctive, detectives had no doubt they had their man. And a specialist in walks confirmed it in court.
Even Saunders' attempt to hide his odd walk by wearing two pairs of trousers could not pull the wool over detectives' eyes..
Now Saunders, of Elmsley Close, Bierley, is facing prison after being found guilty of four terrifying raids on jewellers across the south coast.
The raids netted him and his gang at least £700,000 of Rolex watches and jewellery.
He was also found guilty of carrying a firearm with intent --- after the gang threatened to "blow the head off" shopkeepers.
The Old Bailey heard that 38-year-old Saunders' walk was so distinctive only five per cent of the population could have the same gait.
Dr Hayden Kelly, a specialist in bio-mechanics of the lower leg and a consultant to the Lawn Tennis Association, told the court that CCTV footage of the bow-legged robber and his accomplice fleeing the scene could only be Saunders and Co.
Convicted alongside him was his 19-year-old nephew Jamie Saunders, who was nabbed before he could carry out any raids with his uncle. He was found guilty of conspiracy to rob.
Now they will be sentenced next week with John Saunders' brother Jimmy Roberts, 36, who was shot in the face during a botched raid and fellow bandit John Scott, 35.
Today the Flying Squad boss who led the investigation to end the 18-month spree of armed robberies told how his team used all its skill to bring Saunders and his gang to justice.
A spokesman for the squad admitted there may still be more loot from robberies which has not yet been linked to the villains.
The robbers were armed with shotguns and, donning dustmasks and scarves, set about terrorising high-quality jewellers across London and the Home Counties over 18 months until their capture last November.
Detective Superintendent Jon Shatford, of the Flying Squad, told how officers had kept the crooks under surveillance for months before firing pellets on their getaway car as the gang prepared to rob a shop in Kingston, Surrey.
He said the four men had left shopkeepers across the south terrified and were rated as highly dangerous by the squad.
"These men were highly organised criminals who meticulously planned their raids.
"This called for an extremely sophisticated police response," said Det Sup Shatford.
"The expertise the Flying Squad has in this area, including specialist surveillance and firearms skills, was brought to bear on this case to stop further armed robberies being committed.
"Armed robbery is a very serious crime which can leave its victims severely traumatised.
"Today's result sends out a strong message that people who carry out armed raids in this way will be brought to justice."
The gang had been followed as it looted shops across the south, including stores in Winchester, Chichester, Brighton, Farnham and Bournemouth.
Officers launched Operation Richterman and linked the robberies, placing the culprits under intensive surveillance.
All four men will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on August 4.
by IAN LEWIS, T&A Reporter, July 19, 2000
Walkie-talkie radios issued to traders are helping to cut crime in Shipley town centre.
Meanwhile a team of Special Constables has been established to back the initiative and the fledgling Shipley Watch partnership scheme.
Earlier this year the Telegraph & Argus reported how shopkeepers had formed the partnership and were taking to the airwaves in a bid to curb crime.
More than half a dozen have now bought walkie-talkie radios, enabling them to keep in constant contact with each other and the police, report incidents and circulate descriptions of suspected or actual criminals.
Town centre beat manager PC Brian Watson said although the traders had only been on air a few weeks, the radios, which complement the town's CCTV system, were already proving to be a good investment.
And he is urging other shopkeepers to help make the scheme even more effective by taking on one of the £225 radios.
He said: "The evidence is anecdotal at the moment but the radios do seem to be putting the criminals off going into the shops that have them. We'd like to see even more traders get these radios because the wider the net the more effective it will be."
Manzoor Bahadur, owner of Shipley's Clothing World store, said: "Our security was already fairly tight but the radio system has improved communications and is definitely helping us to reduce theft.
"We get information about possible suspects long before they get to us which puts us on our guard and now they know we've got the radios we're certainly getting less suspicious looking people coming in.
"I think it's a very strong deterrent the radios are worth every penny"
Shipley Town Centre Manager. Bob Parker said: "Shipley's a safe place already but we're delighted with the way the radio scheme has taken off and it will help the partnership go from strength to strength. It's not only about fighting crime but also making staff feel more secure and Shipley a more attractive place for shoppers."
PC Watson said he had established a team of Specials-dedicated to town centre policing - to back the partnership and help the police keep an ear on the radio channel.
He said.. "It's another resource for us to draw upon and with them being dedicated to servicing the Shipley Watch partnership it helps us provide a more seamless cover for the town centre.
"Instead of the Specials just being sent to deal with problems they've got a more proactive role which we've been using to try and attract more people. So far we've passed on details of more than half-a dozen who are interested in becoming Specials to headquarters."
by WILLIAM STEWART, Education Reporter, T&A, 25 July 2000
A Bradford school is installing £50,000 worth of spy cameras and electronic locking doors in a bid to improve security and maintain discipline.
This summer 30 security cameras will be fitted inside and outside Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College in public places, including corridors and toilets.
The close circuit television system will be monitored by a team In the school ofrice who will be in radio contact with senior members of staff constantly patrolling the corridors.
Time locks will be fitted to the school's many external doors so they only open during lesson changeovers. Anyone Outside will have to come in through the main entrance where a camera will film them.
Head teacher Vincent McNicholas said the measures were being introduced following of survey among pupils which showed that 90 per cent were in favour.
The system would help protect pupils from intruders and bullying and stop smoking and general bad behaviour,
"We are a big school and we need more sophisticated ways of managing security," he said. "Staff will be looking to ensure that high standards will be maintained throughout the school particularly on the corridors and during lesson change-overs.
"We want to make sure it is an Orderly and efficient school. It is about prevention, so that people know that if they behave in an inappropriate way they will be caught."
Half the cost of the scheme is coming from the local education authority and the rest from school funds.
It comes as part of a wider drive to improve pupils' security and follows students at the school attending two-hour personal safety courses by Bradford Council.
"We believe that in order to raise achievement the pupils have got to feel safe and secure," said Mr McNicholas.
"The scheme is about people and not property, you can always replace computers but it is much more important to protect our pupils."
He said students had been consulted on where they would like the cameras.
Gemma Barszezak, 14, said she had been bullied herself and was in favour of the scheme. "I am not worried about teachers watching us," she said.
"It will feel safer because there are always children being beaten up and there has been nothing anyone can do about it."
Louise Bright, 14, said: "I think the cameras are a good idea because there are a lot if things that go on and they never catch the people who do them."
School bursar Mary Williams said the measures build on the security procedures introduced at Yorkshire Martyrs following an incident in 1997 when a pupil brandished an air gun in the playground.
Another three pupils were excluded following a more minor incident in May when an air pistol was found in a 15-yearold's bag. But Mr MeNicholas said those incidents were dealt with at the time.
T&A Editorial, 25 July 2000
Whatever their opponents might claim about invasion of privacy, the merits of CCTV cameras in controlling anti-social behaviour are increasingly being recognised. The latest group to acknowledge that, on balance, they are a useful tool for protecting the innocent are the pupils of Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College, who voted nine to one in favour of them being installed in public places, including corridors and toilets.
Comments from pupils interviewed by the T&A include "I will feel safer because there are always children being beaten up and there has been nothing anyone can do about it" and "The cameras are a good idea because there are a lot of things that go on and they never catch the people who do them."
It is depressing that these cameras should need to be installed in the school along with other measures such as regular staff patrols and electronically-locking doors, to protect pupils not only from outsiders but also from each other. Disappointing, too, that they cost money which could otherwise be spent on education.
However, like last week's news of the appointment of toilet attendants at Bingley Grammar School, the Yorkshire Martyrs package of security measures acknowledges the problems which undoubtedly exist in the modern school world and is a sensible, practical initiative.
It will mean that the children who want to use their time at school for its proper purpose - securing an education to equip them for the future - are able to do so with less need to be constantly on their guard against the antics of the disruptive minority.
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