Crime has increased in Croydon, particularly in North End, making safety a concern for local businesses. Mohammed Kamzi, a shop owner, reports that crime intensifies after 4pm, necessitating more staff to monitor threats. The local police are implementing live facial recognition (LFR) technology to track offenders using fixed cameras. The technology has raised mixed feelings, as some see it as necessary for safety, while others feel anxious about the surveillance, fearing they may be wrongly accused of wrongdoing.
The street is a hotspot for gangs, wanted criminals, and people skipping court appearances. Rising crime and waning police visibility have made safety a concern. "It's OK in the morning, but after 4pm, we need three or four people working because someone has to be ready to chase thieves while another watches the shop." LFR cameras have been installed in Croydon for real-time scanning against a police watchlist, aiming for immediate questioning or arrest. Despite safety benefits, there are mixed local reactions to the surveillance, with many customers feeling anxious about being watched.
Last year, LFR cameras were sporadically deployed on mobile vans on North End. In March, fixed facial recognition cameras were announced for permanent installation. While some see safety benefits amidst gang violence and stabbings, others are uncomfortable with surveillance, fearing it implies they have done something wrong. Testament to rising crime and visible police presence issues, locals express honesty over the tension between safety and personal comfort.
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