Attack victim from Woodside Park prompts CCTV review in Temple Fortune (From Times Series)

Attack victim from Woodside Park prompts CCTV review in Temple Fortune

11:56am Wednesday 1st April 2009 in Advanced search By Kevin Bradford

THE recovering victim of a violent attack last year has helped force a review of the CCTV scheme in the borough.

Mother-of-three Lorretta Paterson was beaten by three men during a horrific car jacking in Finchley Road, Temple Fortune, last November.

The 50-year-old was left with a deep cut across her head and bruising on her face and body.

Despite still suffering from the side effects of the assault, Ms Paterson has collected more than 1,000 signatures from friends and customers requesting CCTV be installed much sooner than the 2012 deadline proposed by Barnet Council.

She said: “A lot of people support, want and need the CCTV, and three years is a long time to wait.

“I still have a problem going anywhere on my own.

“The attack has taken away my independence and that is why I want to get some protection to make sure other people can feel safe in the area. CCTV will be incredibly reassuring for people.”

Five cameras are due to be installed in Temple Fortune as part of a £600,000 council investment in CCTV across the borough.

Ms Paterson, who owns Temptations gift shop on the parade, claims crime levels are more serious than police records show and there was a “desperate need” to amend the timescale.

She said at least 30 people have been attacked in Temple Fortune the past year, mainly women, but admitted many may have gone unreported to police.

A council spokesman said the CCTV programme is based on crime data supplied by the police in early 2008 and the council is now analysing the latest figures for all areas earmarked for CCTV.

A written response produced at the Finchley and Golders Green residents forum last week said the petition is being considered as part of a review. it said: “It is recognised that patterns of crime and associated fear of crime change over time.

“For this reason, the proposed sites for 2009-12 will be reassessed prior to the commencement of any work.”

The council spokesman added: “If the figures supplied to the council by the Metropolitan Police Service suggest there has been a shift in crime patterns and an increase in the number of offences in certain areas, then the installation schedule will be reviewed accordingly.”

A report will be compiled following the analysis and submitted to cabinet in due course.