Happy first anniversary to The Challenger

The Challenger, our mobile CCTV Ford Ranger vehicle, was launched one year ago and plays a key role in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour across the borough.

The Challenger was commissioned to bolster the council’s CCTV network, which has grown from 239 in 2012 to 721 in 2022. That’s a 202 increase in the number of CCTV cameras we have deployed. Redbridge is in the top 10 for best coverage of all 33 London boroughs, and The Challenger vehicle has enhanced those mobile camera capabilities.

From deterring prostitution on Ilford Lane to challenging beggars in Hainault and Woodford, this vehicle has played a key role in monitoring and tackling issues residents have identified across Redbridge.

Councillor Khayer Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Crime, Safety and Community Cohesion, said: “Cracking down on crime and anti-social behaviour in Redbridge remains an absolute priority for us here at the council, but we can’t do it without residents’ help.

“I would encourage anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour to report it directly to the police by calling 101 or visiting their website. The more reports we receive allow us to identify anti-social behaviour hotspots across the borough, which we can employ The Challenger to attend.”

Over the past year, The Challenger has:

• Completed 3,000 active patrols to hotspot locations since its launch
• Driven 7,000 miles to keep local people safe
• Captured 2400 hours of footage
• Identified and responded to eight live incidences that required the Police to attend the scene
• Attended/assisted 44 events and operations
• Conducted high visibility reassurance patrols in Woodford, South Woodford, Wanstead, Hainault, Barkingside, Newbury Park, Gants Hill, Clayhall, Fairlop, Cranbrook, Ilford, Seven Kings, Goodmayes and Chadwell Heath.

The Challenger is a Ford Ranger 4x4 vehicle which is ULEZ compliant and provides off-road capacity to officers who often investigate industrial flytips in wooded and inaccessible parts of the borough. The vehicle also supports patrols in parks and open spaces. Officers also use the vehicle to provide support during major incidents such as floodings and they deploy the vehicle directly from the CCTV control room. If CCTV operators see issues such as anti-social behaviour or a vulnerable person on camera, they can deploy the challenger via radio to intervene and provide support.

The vehicle contains two cameras on the side plus an elevated platform camera giving long range coverage. The cameras record ultra-definition footage and images that play a key role in evidence gathering. The CCTV team work closely with the Community Protection team who issue fines and penalty notices on Challenger patrols.

Nicky Fiedler, Corporate Director of Community, said: “We know that crime and anti-social behaviour continue to be a concern for our community. I hope our Challenger has provided some reassurance for our residents over the past year and continues to provide opportunities for people to speak to our officers when they need to.”