CCTVs boon in law enforcement, says Penang police chief

The CCTVs have assisted the police prevent and solve criminal cases in the state, says Penang police chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Hanafi.

He said to date, there were 275 CCTVs in the state, comprising 189 on the island and the rest, the mainland.

"After discussions with consultants and the state government, a decision has been made to increase the number of CCTVs next year, as they have been effective in preventing and solving criminal cases.

"They have also been useful in maintaining peace and traffic flow as all the CCTVs are monitored round-the-clock by the Penang police contingent operations room," he told reporters after the monthly gathering of the state police personnel here today.

Abdul Rahim said between January and last month, at least eight criminal and traffic cases were solved with the help of CCTV recordings.

Meanwhile, the police chief said the criminal index in Penang between January and Dec 12 fell by 911 cases or 11.3 per cent as compared to the same period last year.

He added that the number of criminal cases last year was 8,064, in comparision to 7,154 this year.

Earlier at the event, Abdul Rahim said 28 Honda CBR 250cc motorcycles would be distributed to five districts in Penang for use in crime prevention patrols.