THE Forest Shopping Centre looked on course this week for a grant towards the cost of its crime-busting CCTV system from the police, but only of around a third of what it wanted.
A grant application for the CCTV, which is currently being installed, from the Bordon centre's landlord, Broadmeadow, was due to be examined by the Police Authority's crime prevention panel yesterday (Thursday ).
The company had applied for £12,135 towards the £58,000 cost of the scheme but the authority's officers were recommending to the panel that the scheme only received £4,000.
A report to the panel said: "This application seeks financial assistance from the panel in provision, installation, and monitoring of a modern, up-to-date CCTV system in the Forest Shopping Centre at Bordon where there are acknowledged problems of juvenile crime and nuisance, together with anti social behaviour.
"In the last complete year for which figures are available, criminal damage and vandalism alone cost £17,000 to repair.
"There are no accurate figures available in respect of retail crime.
"As far as monitoring arrangements are concerned, it is anticipated that from early morning to late evening, when security staff are on site, the system will be monitored by them and at the conclusion of on-site security presence, the system will be switched to a monitoring centre."
The panel was due to hear that the installation of the CCTV was being supported by officers at Whitehill police station.
Officers will be able to use the footage to prosecute criminals and it is hoped that its installation will eradicate the feeling of intimidation experienced by some shoppers.
"Experience elsewhere following the installation of this type of system has shown significant reductions in the levels of crime, vandalism, juvenile nuisance and retail crime, as well as overall improvement in the quality of life for the business, their staff, and the general public," the panel was due to be told.
The report said that the CCTV project will cost £58,000 over three years with Broadmeadow contributing £10,000 and the businesses in the centre footing the rest of the bill.
It was hoped that the police would help reduce the financial burden with a £12,135 grant to pay for costs over one year of leasing the CCTV equipment. However, officers were recommending that the scheme be given a £4,000 grant.