In the past 18 months the Old Market area of Bristol has seen a lot of changes. Along with  it’s regeneration of businesses, pubs, clubs, and housing accommodation, the streets are now set to become safer with the arrival of a new CCTV camera.

As a result of collaboration between SceneWATCH members (a local Pubwatch style scheme) and the Police, Avon and Somerset Police have sourced funding to have the CCTV monitoring system installed for the area within the next couple of weeks.  The new camera will cover West Street, Old Market Street, and Midland Road.

Richard Whittle, coordinator for the SceneWATCH made this comment saying,
“During our monthly SceneWATCH meetings one of the topics of discussion was the lack of CCTV cameras in Old Market.  The Police have far exceeded our expectations and by quickly taking on board the views of the SceneWATCH members they have been able to secure funding almost immediately.  Through better communication and understanding the relationship between local businesses and the Police has strengthened significantly in the past 6 months.  This is a real step forward in providing a safer environment in a rapidly developing area for business and residents alike.’’

As Bristol SceneWATCH has gone from strength to strength in the last 6 months it is only befitting that the scheme should have a suitable presence online....well here it is....

The key objectives of the site are to promote the scheme, and bring all the organisations and members of the community together in one place.  Through better communication the scheme hopes to improve understanding of our community by the Police, and local authorities which in turn will allow them to serve the whole community better.

A significant difference with the SceneWATCH website is the ability to fill out a self reporting form online.  This is a simple form that allows members of the public to report homophobic

incidents (in the strictest confidence), no matter how large or small.  If preferred reporting can be done anonymously, and on behalf of a third party, so you can report it even if you weren’t there. 

Historically, most homophobic crime goes unreported because the victim doesn’t want to formally make a complaint.  The purpose of the self reporting is to improve the reporting of incidents and offer support to victims (if requested).  By increasing the number of incidents that are reported through the website, this gives us the proof to insist on more resources from the Police and Local Authorities to make our community safer.As a community we need to stamp out homophobic crime, and one of the only ways to do it is to report it....no matter how insignificant you may think it is.