Does the Thurles Town closed-circuit television (CCTV) used in public area surveillance actually work? We ask this question because of the spate of malicious damage which was caused around the town during the period sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning last.
The picture seen left shows the serious damage to Dwan’s Hardware front window. This was one of two windows broken in the town. In both cases we understand nothing was stolen. Malicious damage, during the same period, was also done to the public playground area beside The Source Theatre.
The public were informed, back in December 2012, that this new public area surveillance system would cost in the region of one hundred thousand euro, with 70% of the cost being covered by Pobal. (Back then Pobal was a not-for-profit company that managed programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU, to support communities and local agencies toward achieving social inclusion, reconciliation and equality. This Community Based CCTV Scheme, then administered by Pobal, we learn is now longer in operation.) A further 20% was provided by Thurles Town Council while the final 10% was supposed to be aided by Thurles Chamber of Commerce. (Latter TCC aid of course never happened.)
We are aware from private CCTV footage nearby, that the large plate-glass window smashed in Dwan’s Hardware, latter business situated in Cathedral Street, Thurles, involved the kicking action of one male, accompanied by one other male and a female.
Questions now remain; (1) Was the camera tacked on to Thurles castle working? (2) Has this camera’s footage been examined with the 3 individuals aforementioned been identified, and the offender arrested and charged? (3) Who is destroying business premises; walls and shuttering; public buildings etc, night after night with graffiti?
One final question: Is closed-circuit television (CCTV) used in public area surveillance, especially at night time, really worth the cost of installation, if public street lighting is inadequate?
You are doing the people of Thurles a great service George. Keep it up.
I agree with Vincent Barber
My understanding is that at least one camera is not operational at present and has not been for some time.