Call for CCTV review after latest unsolved attack

9:00am Saturday 2nd February 2008

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A LEADING Thornbury businessman is calling for an overhaul of High Street security camera coverage following the second unsolved attack on his premises so far this year.

Estate agent Tim Pearce is furious after a CCTV camera once again proved useless in the hunt for smash and grab raiders who hit his offices in the early hours of Saturday, January 19, getting away with a plasma TV and causing more than £1,000 worth of damage.

Mr Pearce, who is also chairman of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, is demanding to know why the camera in question - located just 20 metres from the premises - was not operating at the time.

"This is the second time my premises have been attacked so far this year and the second time the camera has failed to do its job," said Mr Pearce.

"On the first occasion when miscreants broke our windows - and also attacked two other nearby premises - police investigated the footage and found that the camera was not pointing in the right direction.

"Now it's happened again and I've been told the camera was not operating at all. It's a scandalous situation.

"Businesses pay a higher rate of commercial council tax and we're entitled to expect better protection than this."

Mr Pearce said he was now investigating installing his own video surveillance equipment to meet insurance company requirements.

Thornbury High street is monitored by three cameras, funded by South Gloucestershire Council. Street lighting was recently upgraded to improve imaging.

Sgt Craig Ogborne, of Thornbury police, said it was unfortunate that the camera had been inoperative during both attacks on Mr Pearce's premises.

"I am aware that there has been technical issues and teething problems with the camera in question but as far as I know they are now resolved," he said.

"The High Street cameras in general have proved very useful since they were installed and have resulted in some significant arrests."