Nearly £4 Million invested to upgrade CCTV across Tower Hamlets estates

Anti-social behaviour is one of the top concerns for Tower Hamlets residents, as highlighted in the latest resident survey. In response, the council is investing £3.7 million to upgrade CCTV infrastructure across 26 estate blocks in Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets has already invested over £4 million in community safety since 2022, and these improvements are part of an additional £4 million to be invested by 2026.

The improvements include:

• Installation of 100 new cameras targeting ASB and fly-tipping hotspots
• Repairs and replacements at existing sites
• Enhanced coverage at Town Hall, London Square, and leisure centres
• Expansion of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition network 

All cameras will feed into the council’s upgraded state-of-the-art CCTV control room. This will enable faster response times and support crime prevention efforts in partnership with the Metropolitan Police.

Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said:
"We’re investing in upgraded CCTV because every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, and we know this is a concern expressed by many residents. This nearly £4 million investment, part of a wider £8 million commitment to community safety, is just one of many measures we’ve taken to improve safety across the borough. Alongside almost tripling the number of Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers, creating a dog patrol service, and upgrading our state-of-the-art CCTV control suite, we’re committed to making Tower Hamlets a safe place for our residents to thrive."

So far, works have been completed at eight blocks, with 112 cameras repaired or newly installed. A further 352 cameras are scheduled for inspection and upgrade.

This initiative marks a major step forward in creating safer, cleaner, and more connected communities across Tower Hamlets.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, Lead for Tower Hamlets Neighbourhood Policing, said:
“We welcome this significant investment in CCTV infrastructure across Tower Hamlets. Enhanced coverage and upgraded technology will greatly support our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, improve response times, and keep communities safe. Working in partnership with the council, we’re committed to making Tower Hamlets a safer place for all.”