New CCTV cameras are operating round the clock at a parade of shops in Lichfield with the aim of reducing antisocial behaviour.

The equipment has been installed at the city’s Dimbles Lane shops in response to incidents of drug and alcohol abuse which have led to fights, criminal damage, harassment and threats of violence to residents.

The previously outdated CCTV system and poor lighting made it difficult for police to identify and apprehend offenders. Lichfield District Council has worked with Lichfield Police and ourselves and fellow housing association Midland Heart to deliver the state-of-the-art equipment which includes three pan, tilt and zoom cameras replacing the single standalone camera installed at the location over ten years ago.

They have been installed at three sites – at the junction of Dimbles Lane and Friday Acre, at the entrance to the rear of the shops on Dimbles Lane and on a pole at the laundrette adjacent to the alley which runs between Dimbles Lane and The Garth.

The cameras are monitored remotely 24 hours a day, seven days a week in a control room in Lichfield city centre.

Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for community engagement, councillor Richard Cox, said: “We are determined to reduce anti-social behaviour in the district and in response to reports of issues at this location, worked in partnership with the police and housing associations to see that improved CCTV cameras were installed.

“I wish to thank the police and our partners for their support with this initiative which I hope will make residents and business owners feel safer.”

Inspector Karen Green, deputy commander at Lichfield Police, said: “I hope that residents will feel reassured by the installation of CCTV and additional lighting in the Dimbles area.

“This is a great example of partnership working to allow people to feel safe in the area they live. Both will be an invaluable resource to assist with crime prevention and detection.”

Jennifer Newton, of Midland Heart, said: “Sharing intelligence with various agencies helped us shape our designs when planning our upgrading works at Charnwood House, St Peter’s Court and Dimbles Lane.

“We were able to identify the key areas that we needed to focus on to reduce anti-social behaviour. As such we installed new external security lighting around the shops and flats.

“In addition we fitted new metal fencing enclosing any areas that were previous open and used to conduct anti-social behaviour.

The new lighting, fencing and additional CCTV by Lichfield Council now make residents and shop owners feel safe and secure in their properties and in the wider community.

Jo Fieldhouse, associate director of localities for Bromford added: “This is a great example of organisations working together to find a solution to support local people. Many of our customers have already told us they’ve noticed a reduction in the number of incidents and feel safer thanks to the measures that have been put in place and hopefully this is a trend that will continue in the weeks and months ahead.”