On the buses - Windows which can listen and activate CCTV cameras when they are being attacked may sound like science fiction, but this groundbreaking technology has hit the streets of Birmingham. The National Express Trojan bus was deployed along the number 6 route in Sparkbrook last night (Tuesday 5 November) in direct response to safety concerns from local people. Microscopic microphones have been embedded into windows to automatically detect when they are being vandalised. Rather than listening to passenger conversations, the microphones are calibrated so that they only activate when they hear the sound of scratching, cracking or graffiti being daubed on them. When this is detected, onboard high definition CCTV cameras automatically zoom in on the window to capture the vandal. An alert is also sent to the depot so staff are aware a crime has been committed. The CCTV can also be monitored live in real-time in the control room by officers watching on secure 4G enabled laptops and tablet computers in a following car. The images are also automatically recorded and can be used in court as evidence. The technology, along with bright LED lighting, has been fitted to improve people’s feeling of safety at a cost of £2,500 for each of the nine buses fitted with the lights, cameras and microphones. National Express has earmarked up to £500,000 to rollout the improvements. Ben Craze, from the company, said: Passenger safety is our number one priority and the installation of the new technology will help towards that. The kit was installed on the 10 year-old bus, which looks like any other, and showcased as part of Operation Seal - an intelligence led operation launched in direct response to community concerns about crime on the bus network. The operation ran between 2pm and 6pm to coincide with the end of school − a key time for vandalism and robberies. Sparkbrook police Inspector Rachel Crump uses the bus to travel to and from work and led Operation Seal. She said: Crime on the buses has fallen over recent years and this operation is about us showing the residents that we are reacting to the concerns they have raised with us. More info here: west-midlands.police.uk/latest-news/press-release.asp?ID=5443
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 10:47:51 +0000