McCarthy hails CCTV boost but say we need more police on the beat

12.55.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 20th Sep 2007

Alliance Strangford MLA Kieran McCarthy

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has welcomed a 2 million pound CCTV scheme for 19 towns across Northern Ireland, but added that more cash should be invested to put more police on the beat. His comments come on the day that NIO Minister Paul Goggins unveiled the new CCTV scheme in Newtownards.

Ards Councillor, Mr McCarthy, said: "I strongly welcome this investment in CCTV. It is however only one step in helping us tackle thug culture across Northern Ireland - more police on the beat are necessary to help further this crackdown.

"Many people feel unsafe walking around our town centres in the evening.This CCTV investment will, I hope, provide everyone with more peace of mind and act as a deterrent to crime.

"It is very poignant that this new CCTV scheme was unveiled in Newtownards, because only last year Grant Dugan was subject to a very serious attack here and was left fighting for his life. I am glad that this scheme will see 87 new cameras installed in 19 towns across Northern Ireland; however, more investment in our police service must accompany this."

ENDS