Lyme Regis has taken another significant step in enhancing public safety, with the town’s CCTV network now fully connected to Dorset’s central monitoring hub.
The new connection means CCTV cameras across the town can now be monitored in real time by trained operators at Dorset Council’s CCTV Control Centre, providing additional support for Dorset Police, emergency services and the local community.
Representatives from Lyme Regis Town Council including the mayor Cllr Philip Evans, deputy mayor Cllr Adrian Wood, town clerk John Wright, and property and projects assistant Anthony Mullins visited the control centre recently to see the system in operation.
They met with Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick and Dorset Council’s service manager for Licensing and Community Safety, John Newcombe, to discuss the benefits it will bring to Lyme Regis.
The cameras are monitored around the clock by experienced operators who can zoom in on incidents and track movements, and all footage is recorded and can be reviewed when subject access requests are given.
The control room has a direct communications link with Dorset Police, allowing operators to relay live information to officers responding to incidents and helping to improve response times.
While CCTV footage can play an important role in investigating crime by identifying victims and offenders, its benefits extend much further.
The system has already proved invaluable in supporting searches for missing people, resolving disputes, assisting with parking-related enquiries and helping to prevent miscarriages of justice by providing evidence that can both confirm guilt and demonstrate innocence.
The enhanced monitoring also provides reassurance for residents, businesses and visitors, particularly during busy periods and major events, helping to keep the town and seafront safe.
The CCTV network forms part of a wider county-wide system already operating in towns including Weymouth, Bridport, Dorchester and Swanage, with further locations set to join in the coming months.
The monitoring hub also oversees mobile re-deployable cameras that can be positioned across Dorset where they are most needed, as well as supporting NHS Dorset at the County Hospital in Dorchester.
The project complements the work of the town council’s Community Safety Accredited Scheme (CSAS) trained town rangers, strengthening the town’s overall approach to community safety and ensuring support is available both on the ground and through the CCTV network.
Mayor Cllr Philip Evans said: “The safety of our residents and visitors is one of the town council’s priorities. Connecting to our CCTV network to Dorset’s central monitoring hub gives us access to a highly experienced team who can support Dorset Police and our local services in real time.
“This investment strengthens our ability to protect our community, support investigations and provide reassurance that Lyme Regis remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.”
Cllr Matt Bell, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities, said:
"Feeling safe is fundamental to people’s wellbeing and to thriving communities. By connecting Lyme Regis’ CCTV network to Dorset’s central monitoring hub, we are strengthening the support available to residents, businesses and visitors, while helping Dorset Police and our partners respond quickly and effectively when incidents occur.
"This is about more than tackling crime. The system can help find missing people, support investigations and provide reassurance that there is an additional layer of support in place. I’m pleased to see Lyme Regis joining Dorset’s wider CCTV network as we continue working together to create safer, stronger communities."
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said “I am delighted to see the Lyme Regis CCTV network now linked to Dorsets central monitoring hub. This is a fantastic example of partners working together to make our communities safer.
“Effective CCTV is a valuable tool in preventing and detecting crime, helping to protect residents, businesses and the many visitors who come to Lyme Regis throughout the year. By connecting these cameras to the central control room, we are strengthening Dorset Police’s ability to respond quickly to incidents, support investigations and provide reassurance to the public.
“This investment demonstrates our shared commitment to using technology in a practical way to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, while ensuring Dorset remains one of the safest counties in the country."