Birmingham residents have been urged to join a CCTV network that has helped bring down major criminals. The new service is a database that allows West Midlands Police to request CCTV or doorbell footage from residents who are happy to share their images.
So far 13,000 people have signed up, and West Midlands Police is one of two UK police forces who have started using the system to help solve crime. The force said since its introduction in September 2024, the system has already been successful in solving major crimes in Coventry.
The new technology allows residents to add their home or business cameras to a secure map of CCTV cameras in the West Midlands. Participants need to provide their name, address, email and the number of cameras they have.
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West Midlands Police explained: “It means we can quickly identify cameras that may have captured evidence near to the scene of a crime. Within seconds, officers can send details of the incident to the owners of the camera, along with a request for them to check their footage.
“People can then send the images via a secure link helping officers to identify criminals or trace victims and witnesses, meaning crimes are solved faster. Getting a request for footage out quickly, and getting a quick response, helps prevent footage from automatically expiring from doorbell cameras or being overwritten on CCTV systems.
“The system has already been successful in solving major crimes in Coventry. If people continue to add their details to the map that can only be seen by officers, it will help us solve other serious crimes in other areas of the West Midlands.”
The force added that the system does not give West Midlands Police or anyone else access to your cameras or computer. Police explained: “Your name, address, camera details or any other personal information will not be publicly available on the secure site and investigating officers will only be able to see cameras plotted on a digital map and held on a secure police system, with strictly controlled access.
“Sharing your recording with us does not mean you will have to attend court.” You can find out how to join the database on the West Midlands Police CCTV registry website.