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A high-tech security device equipped with round-the-clock surveillance has been installed in the seaside town of Seaham in County Durham as part of a drive to curb arson, antisocial behaviour and shoplifting.
The Safer Pod X4, situated on The Avenue, combines 24-hour monitored CCTV, audio recording, smoke detection sensors and thermal imaging cameras. The purpose-built unit is designed to act as a visible deterrent to would-be offenders while providing early warning of fires and capturing detailed evidence of any suspicious activity.
Its arrival forms part of an ongoing partnership between Durham Constabulary and the private firm Safer Group, which has already seen similar pods used elsewhere in the county. Police say earlier trials in Darlington produced positive results, with reported shoplifting incidents falling from 21 to just one and antisocial behaviour dropping from 18 reports to none – a reduction estimated to have saved the force almost £20,000.
Reassurance for residents
Inspector Thomas Teague, of Seaham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the technology would help residents feel safer and support officers investigating recent incidents.
“People in our community have a right to feel safe where they live and work,” he said. “New technologies such as the Safer Pods are a valuable opportunity to provide not only a visual deterrent to potential perpetrators of crime, but also reassurance to residents and a means of collecting vital evidence.
“There have been a number of suspected arsons in the area in recent months, and our hope is that this deployment will both reassure people that we are doing everything we can to prevent further incidents, and also assist us in tracking down any potential suspects.”
Early detection of fires
Safer Group said the tower’s primary role was to identify potential fires at the earliest possible stage. Company representative Jamie Gainford explained that this would allow emergency services to respond more quickly and in a more coordinated way.
“The tower offers a highly visible deterrent, and the deployment will be supported by Safer Group’s dedicated 24-hour CCTV monitoring control room,” he said.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has also welcomed the move following a spate of deliberate fires in the town. Seaham Station Manager Gary Tough said the incidents had understandably worried residents but that joint prevention work was already making an impact.
“The deployment of the Safer Pod X4 is another important step forward,” he said. “Its specialist technology will support earlier detection of fires, improve our ability to monitor high-risk areas, and provide valuable evidence to assist our police colleagues with any investigations.”
Police and fire chiefs hope the device will build on recent progress and help drive further reductions in crime and antisocial behaviour across Seaham.
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