Vandalism, unruly yobs and two separate immigration incidents have driven bosses at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club to seriously consider the installation of seven CCTV cameras at the Grade II listed building, a former 18th century tide mill.
It comes following an incident of arson, theft of outboard motors, illegal use of dinghies, vandalism and border security issues.
Giles Babb, who runs the Blue Bell Inn less than 400ft away, said: ‘This CCTV is good news. Cameras are a deterrent and if you’re not doing anything wrong, you don’t need to worry about them. ‘The rise in anti-social behaviour when the council shut off its cameras in 2016 was noticeable, but hopefully this will make people in the area feel safer.’
Ward councillor Rivka Cresswell, who supports the application for CCTV cameras, said that immigration issues are worrying and “it’s a bit too close for comfort. Anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable as far as I’m concerned.”
CCTV cameras will be used to monitor the inside of the club’s office, the whole front area of the club, the mooring areas, slipway, road access to the east and both side and rear boat compounds.