Last year, the surveillance system recorded 715 different incidents. Two years earlier, there were more than 1,150. This comparison suggests that surveillance is an effective tool for eliminating negative phenomena.
Last year, the cameras recorded the most cases (306) of illegal alcohol consumption in public places. – However, compared with previous years, there has been a very significant decline in these offences, says Konrad Szczepański, the surveillance coordinator for the Legnica Municipal Police. – Thanks to the surveillance system, we have eliminated this problem, among other places, from the Market Square, the embankments along the Kaczawa River and other locations. Now people who drink alcohol think twice before taking a bottle out on a bench and consider whether it is worth risking a fine.
The cameras also save lives. Thanks to them, many people who became unwell in the street received help very quickly. They are not always drunk. During the winter, the cameras spot homeless people sleeping at bus stops, and patrols take them to shelters.
As we have already mentioned, the cameras are also an excellent weapon against thieves and vandals. For example, a few days ago they captured two men ransacking buildings near the railway station. Police detained them as they were taking stolen metal components away in a trolley. Many people have also been detained while putting up posters on poles. Others attempting to break into cars, damaging property or taking drugs have also been arrested.
The municipal video surveillance system was launched in spring 2014. It cost PLN 3.7 million, of which 70 percent was EU funding. As part of the investment, 65 digital devices were installed, including 40 Bosch PTZ cameras located at 39 points across Legnica. The cameras cover a significant part of the city, including the following districts and areas: Piekary, Kopernik, the vicinity of the PKP and PKS stations, Kartuzy, Bielany, Przedmieście Głogowskie and Tarninów.