ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
CCTV cameras are finally being earmarked for Manchester’s Charedi Broughton Park neighbourhood after a 10-year campaign by the Jewish community.
In the wake of a spate of recent incidents, local councillors this week agreed to find funding for CCTV following meetings with Salford’s Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan.
Inspector Steve Bailey, who heads community policing in the area, said that CCTV surveillance was an urgent requirement. “Broughton Park has a burglary problem two-and-a-half times the Salford average and there is the issue with hate-crime. A lot of people have suffered. CCTV is a deterrent and the crucial thing is it will provide reassurance to the community.” The JC has learned of an imminent police report which will detail optimum positions for cameras on Leicester Road.
This week, a 500-signature residents’ petition in support of cameras was handed to the council.
Councillor George Wilson, who has campaigned for CCTV, believes the popularity of the Higher Broughton shopping area has attracted criminals. “Everybody is saying CCTV is a good and viable idea, it’s just the funding.”
Greater Manchester Police report a fall in incidents in Broughton Park following the arrest of two males, one a juvenile. One is still in custody, the other has been released on bail.
Meanwhile, Inspector Bailey has urged community members to give the police more assistance. “I review all the hate-crimes reported and I’ve noticed we get a lot we cannot make progress on because people won’t take the time to give a statement. It’s more of a problem in the Jewish community.”