CCTV funding awarded to nearly 40 communities by Police and Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner has more than doubled funding available for CCTV schemes to help reduce crime in towns and villages across Devon and Cornwall after a large number of grant applications were received by her office.

In September, councils, voluntary sector groups, and some other eligible organisations were invited to apply for a maximum allowance of £10,000 to pay for CCTV equipment and associated infrastructure.  

The scheme was launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) after it allocated £125,000 from its Strategic Interventions Fund for 2025/26, to help communities most in need of new or additional CCTV in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

Due to the large number of applications received, the Commissioner has agreed to more than double the funding available – bringing the total to almost £300,000. It means more communities can reap the benefits of having CCTV, including 22 areas were none currently exists. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “My office was inundated with so many applications that it became very difficult to choose between them, especially as each one gave compelling reasons for the difference the equipment would make in their local areas. 

“Although we don’t have the funding to grant each one, I am pleased to confirm that additional funding has been reallocated to this important initiative. It has enabled my office to include more projects into the scheme which will now benefit 39 different areas across the peninsula. 

“CCTV is such an effective tool in helping prevent and detect crime as well as offering reassurance to residents and businesses. I look forward to hearing improvements it has made within communities.” 

Among those who have been helped to introduce a CCTV system in their area for the first time is Bradninch Town Council. It has been awarded £2,500 to match fund its current reserves of the same total to install up to two cameras at its recreation ground which is a target for frequent vandalism, graffiti and fires, including a large wooden community shelter that was burnt to the ground overnight.  

In its application, the council said: “This recreation ground is also a play park used by children of all ages. It is, therefore, considered of utmost importance to keep all users safe and the equipment in good order as far as possible.  

“The new CCTV would benefit the whole community as the recreation ground would be a safer place for all to use. It is anticipated that it would even encourage an uplift in users due to the increased security.” 

Other councils who have been successful include: 

• Kingsteignton Town Council  

• Cranbrook Town Council 

Organisations who have been successful include:

          Christchurch, Paignton 

• SWISCo, Torbay 

The funding awarded under the scheme can only be used for the purchase of CCTV cameras, related equipment and installation costs. It cannot be used for monitoring expenditure or unrelated expenses. No applications were received from the Isles of Scilly.