Closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed along the route of this year’s Anguilla Summer Festival parade.
The modern security cameras can be seen on wooden pylons along the main road from The Valley to Sandy Ground.
Officers from the Royal Anguilla Police Force will monitor the live footage throughout the day and night, a police statement said on Monday, 29 July.
The cameras are a “crucial addition to our safety measures, especially in light of the recent rise in gun violence on the island”, it continued.
Police said more cameras will be installed “very soon” to enhance surveillance capabilities further.
“Your safety is our priority, and these cameras will help ensure a secure and enjoyable festival season for all,” the statement concluded.
The Grand Parade of Troupes is scheduled to take place on Friday, 9 August, at 11am from The Valley and will feature costumed participants walking and dancing through the streets.
Crime wave
The new security cameras are just one of several safety measures that the Governor’s Office and Royal Anguilla Police Force are introducing in the wake of the recent violent crime wave.
Four people have died in shootings in Anguilla over the past month and there have been several other gun-related incidents.
A Facebook post from the Governor’s Office on 15 July said Governor Julia Crouch had chaired a meeting of the Criminal Justice Board, during which the protective actions were discussed.
As well as CCTV, the members also spoke about new walk-through scanners for passengers arriving and leaving Anguilla and a scanner for incoming bags.
A new social worker has been employed specifically to work with vulnerable families and work is ongoing on the new emergency 911 control room and returning the police boat to water.
Anyone with information on any incident can call 911, (264) 497-2333 or 497-5333, or leave an anonymous message on the confidential website at www.gov.ai/911
Information from the website is stored in a secure location in California in the United States of America and access to it is tightly controlled.
