Troublemakers will have nowhere to hide when a new spy van takes to the streets of Southend. 

Southend Council’s new mobile CCTV van is set to make its debut patrolling across Southend on Monday. 

The van, which has been donated by Essex Police, and will be used to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

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Although the council will not be able to directly dish out fines from the van, the footage that it captures will be used to help the police and council pursue prosecutions. 

The new mobile CCTV van is equipped with four external digital cameras plus one dome camera on top.

Simon Ford, head of community safety at Southend Council, said: “Keeping Southend residents and businesses safe is a key priority for the council.

“Our new CCTV van, which hasn’t cost the council anything, is making its debut in the city on bank holiday Monday and will work in conjunction with our CCTV control room and Townlink radio system.

“The addition of the van will provide a more visible presence and ensure we can proactively monitor key areas across the city to help keep everyone safe and be prepared for any incidents that may arise.

“It also shows how seriously the council is taking the safety and security of residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Southend was an early adopter of CCTV, and the technology went through a £2.2million upgrade in 2021.

The upgrade saw an extra 41 digital cameras placed in new areas in the city, alongside the 165 existing cameras.

Insp David Gardiner, part of the Essex Police and the Southend community policing team, added: “This new CCTV van is a fantastic tool and will help prevent crime and antisocial behaviour across the city.

“It is a piece of equipment that many other local authorities do not have and shows the continued commitment of Essex Police and Southend Council to keeping Southend safe.

“The vehicle will be proactively deployed across the city and will be a visible and reassuring presence.”

Southend Council add that they will also be looking to share the CCTV van with the police and other local authorities across the region, especially when there are big events taking place such festivals and large gatherings.