'James Bond' technology preventing anti-social behaviour

Harlow Council is using covert surveillance tactics to crack down on all kinds of anti-social behaviour - including vandalism, prostitution, fly tipping, littering and dog fouling.

With the latest ‘spy’ technology at its disposal, including miniature CCTV cameras that are small enough to be hidden in the most unlikely places, the Council is using the footage to prosecute offenders.

Paul Anderson, Harlow Council’s Community Safety Manager, said: “We are committed to stamping out anti-social behaviour using every means at our disposal, including the kind of technology James Bond would be proud of.”

“We are working in partnership with the police and local residents to make Harlow a better place for everyone and crack down on certain individuals who think they can get away with anything.”

A number of covert ‘stings’ have been set up following tip offs from local residents and several have resulted in prosecutions, some of which are currently going through the courts.

These include the closure of a brothel in a residential area of the town, where evidence was gathered by Harlow Council’s Community Safety enforcement officers working together with the Police. In another case, CCTV footage was used to assist in the arrest of a group of local youths following vandalism at Council premises.

Covert operations have also been set up to catch persistent fly-tippers and litter louts, and video film has been used to identify people who regularly let their dogs foul the pavements.

The Council’s Community Safety Team has a committed team of people, including clean neighbourhood officers and community rangers, who are dedicated to eradicating persistent anti-social behaviour.

Eleven Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued since the beginning of this year, including nine for littering and two for dog fouling.

Harlow Council no longer issues Fixed Penalty Notices for fly tipping and now sends all identified cases of fly tipping direct to the courts, where suspects face fines of up to £50,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment if convicted.

From April 1^st Fixed Penalties for littering increased from £50 to £60. FPNs for dog fouling remain at £50 and FPNs for graffiti and flyposting remain at £75.

Residents can report any anti-social behaviour incidents by phoning the "It's Your Call" action-line on 0845 605 2222 or Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 or by visiting www.saferharlow.info and seeing the ‘Report It’ button.