The Guardian reports that CCTV schemes in city and town centres have little effect on crime.
The review of 44 research studies on CCTV schemes by the Campbell Collaboration found that they do have a modest impact on crime overall but are at their most effective in cutting vehicle crime in car parks, especially when used alongside improved lighting and the introduction of security guards.
CCTV has become like security theatre, the cameras’ primary purpose is to make it look like something is being done about crime in a particular location.