NEW CCTV cameras have been installed as part of a push to improve safety in the city centre.

The 24 new cameras ave been paid for out of a £426,000 government grant aimed at preventing violence against women and girls.

Among the new camera sites are parts of New Road and Frideswide Square that were previously not covered by CCTV.

Supt Bruce Riddell, policing commander for the city, said: “These new cameras will only improve the security measures already in place in Oxford and will mean that the chances of criminal activity being recorded and used in evidence will increase.

“Our message to criminals is clear. We have a network of measures in place to stop your activity and if you commit crimes in our city, we will use our CCTV network to help bring you to justice.”

The cameras will be monitored from the city council and Thames Valley Police’s CCTV suite in St Aldates police station.

Oxford Mail: The CCTV suite at St Aldates police station Picture: OCCThe CCTV suite at St Aldates police station Picture: OCC

Cllr Louise Upton of Oxford City Council said: “Not only will these measures protect women and girls, but they will have benefits for all those who are vulnerable to violence and other predatory behaviour."

Through the £426,000 grant, the council says it will create a ‘Nightsafe’ network and ‘Safe Haven’ scheme, with police, Street Pastors, bus drivers, pubs and bars, and fast food restaurants sharing information.

Safe zones will be created where people can wait for friends or taxis, lighting will improved and vegetation removed to cut 'hiding' spots.

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