Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[CCTV cameras help solve 'six crimes a day' in London, says Metropolitan Police]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/#commentsBeen questioning the value of having omnipresent surveillance cameras tracking your every move? Well, if you're an outlaw, you still won't like them, but for the rest of us law-abiding types, London's Metropolitan Police has a comforting stat to share: almost six crimes a day are being resolved with the help of CCTV footage. It's being used primarily to aid the identification of perps on the run, and the number of suspects identified as a result has gone up to 2,512 this year. There is a bright light for criminals, however, as the Met admits digital recordings aren't kept around as long as VHS ones used to be, meaning that if you slip the dragnet once, you'll probably be alright. So good news for everyone!

CCTV cameras help solve 'six crimes a day' in London, says Metropolitan Police originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerascctvcopscrimecrime fightingCrimeFightingcriminalforensicsididentificationlawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlondonmetropolitan policeMetropolitanPolicepolicesurveillanceukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 28 Dec 2010 05:37:00 EST<![CDATA[England puts CCTVs in the homes of lousy parents ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/uk-puts-cctvs-in-the-homes-of-lousy-parents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/uk-puts-cctvs-in-the-homes-of-lousy-parents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/04/uk-puts-cctvs-in-the-homes-of-lousy-parents/#comments
We love England, especially the way they use all these adorable names for things: "lorry," for truck, or "loo" for bathroom, or "sin bin" for an Orwellian program whereby "problem families" (currently numbering 2,000, but someday as many as 20,000) are placed under 24/7 CCTV surveillance in their own homes. Chris Grayling, something called the "Shadow Home Secretary," puts it thusly: "This Government has been in power for more than a decade during which time anti-social behavior, family breakdown and problems like alcohol abuse and truancy have just got worse and worse." Meaning, of course, that cameras must be moved from the streets of England into people's homes, where they'll be used to make sure that kids go to school, go to bed at a decent hour, and eat proper meals. If only they'd had programs like this when we were kids -- maybe things would have turned out differently.

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England puts CCTVs in the homes of lousy parents originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big brotherBigBrotherbritaincctvenglandmonitoredorwellorwellianPrivacysin binSinBinsocietysurveillanceukTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:52:00 EST<![CDATA[English towns equipping crossing guards with cameras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/english-towns-equipping-crossing-guards-with-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/english-towns-equipping-crossing-guards-with-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/01/english-towns-equipping-crossing-guards-with-cameras/#commentsEngland is already drowning in CCTV cameras, so it looks like Big Brother is starting to get creative in finding ways to deploy more: local councils are now outfitting crossing guards with camera-equipped stop signs. Yeah, crossing guards. With cameras in their stop signs. The cameras in the £890 ($1765) poles are fairly conspicuous, and the hope is that it'll curb aggressive driving around crossing zones, which resulted in 1,400 incidents last year. There's no word on how anyone plans to measure the effectiveness of the program, but we're certain the crossing guards who get passed over for the poles and end up with the hat-mounted cameras also being deployed will have a few choice words about things.

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English towns equipping crossing guards with cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 May 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cctvcrossing guardCrossingGuardenglandlollipoplollipop crossingLollipopCrossingsurveillanceukThu, 01 May 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[UK exam rooms could be equipped with CCTV cameras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/uk-exam-rooms-could-be-equipped-with-cctv-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/uk-exam-rooms-could-be-equipped-with-cctv-cameras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/uk-exam-rooms-could-be-equipped-with-cctv-cameras/#commentsQuite honestly, we can't imagine anyone finding this the least bit surprising -- after all, aren't CCTV cameras and the UK an inseparable pair by now? Nevertheless, the Examination Officers' Association across the pond is currently mulling the idea of installing surveillance equipment in exam halls in order to keep an eye on test-taking cheaters. Apparently students are turning to their mobiles more and more (no way!) to plug any holes in their memory, and while the project hasn't been set in stone just yet, it seems to be headed in that direction. Ah, whatever happened to those old fashioned cram sessions?

[Thanks, Tomek]

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UK exam rooms could be equipped with CCTV cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big brotherBigBrothercctvcheatcheatingenglandexamexam cheatingExamCheatingschoolsurveillancetestukFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[CCTV overload in London not as effective as previously hoped?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/22/cctv-overload-in-london-not-as-effective-as-previously-hoped/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/22/cctv-overload-in-london-not-as-effective-as-previously-hoped/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/22/cctv-overload-in-london-not-as-effective-as-previously-hoped/#commentsWhile London, along with other parts of the UK, has long since been smothered by CCTV cameras and other forms of surveillance, a new report put out by the Liberal Democrats on the London Assembly suggests that all these watchful eyes may not be curbing crime. Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrats spokeswoman, was quoted as saying that figured obtained in the study comparing the number of cameras in a given borough "with the proportion of crimes solved suggests there is no link between a high number of CCTV cameras and a better crime clear-up rate." Close to £200 million ($401 million) has purportedly been spent on building such an elaborate CCTV network, but this study noted that it still wasn't "entirely clear if some of that money would not have been better spent on police officers."

[Via Wired]

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CCTV overload in London not as effective as previously hoped? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Sep 2007 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cctvcrimeenglandlondonsurveillanceukuk crimeUkCrimeSat, 22 Sep 2007 00:58:00 EST<![CDATA['Professional gang' invades Sigma warehouse, grabs plenty]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/professional-gang-invades-sigma-warehouse-grabs-plenty/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/professional-gang-invades-sigma-warehouse-grabs-plenty/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/21/professional-gang-invades-sigma-warehouse-grabs-plenty/#comments
We're beginning to wonder if someone isn't adding a little something to the water over in England, as a recent heist of Sigma Imaging's UK offices makes the country home to the second high-stakes consumer electronics robbery this month. The crooks, which were affectionately dubbed a "professional gang," reportedly broke into the offices and warehouse of Sigma UK in order to lift "a large quantity" of wares. So much so, in fact, that Sigma has warned that the incident could "temporarily disrupt supply to customers," but it failed to mention exactly what was stolen. Notably, the culprits must have momentarily forgotten that they were in the surveillance capital of the world, and now police are breaking down CCTV footage in order to garner more details.

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'Professional gang' invades Sigma warehouse, grabs plenty originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincctvcrimecriminalenglandlarcenysigmasignma imagingSignmaImagingstolestolenthiefthievesukThu, 21 Jun 2007 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Constitution Committee to investigate surveillance overload]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/uk-constitution-committee-to-investigate-surveillance-overload/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/uk-constitution-committee-to-investigate-surveillance-overload/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/01/uk-constitution-committee-to-investigate-surveillance-overload/#commentsFor those dwelling in England who enjoy a touch of privacy in their day to day lives, help could be on the way. Amidst the smattering of new surveillance methods being installed and implemented within the nation's border comes a second inquiry into the "constitutional implications" of such invasive measures. If you'll recall, the Commons' Home Affairs committee has already planned its own review, and now the UK's Constitution Committee will be "conducting an inquiry on the consequences of the collection and use of surveillance and personal data by the State." Basically, the group is trying to visualize just how damaging all these CCTV installations, car trackers, and behavior monitors are on the "relationship between individuals and institutions." Another aspect will be to scrutinize whether UK citizens need additional protection under the law from such voyeuristic tactics, and judging solely by the sheer multitude of surveying going on over there, we couldn't complain with a little extra shielding. [Warning: Word Document read link]

[Via El Reg]

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UK Constitution Committee to investigate surveillance overload originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2007 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big brotherBigBrotherbritaincctvcourtenglandgovernmentinvestigationlegalLords' Constitution CommitteeLords'ConstitutionCommitteemonitoredPrivacyscandalsocietysurveillancetracingtracktrackingukunconstitutionalTue, 01 May 2007 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Oi, talking CCTV cameras coming to London]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/oi-talking-cctv-cameras-coming-to-london/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/oi-talking-cctv-cameras-coming-to-london/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/04/oi-talking-cctv-cameras-coming-to-london/#comments
Despite growing concerns over the UK sleep-walking into a surveillance society, 20 more English towns (including London) have signed on for talking CCTV cameras. Already, an estimated 4.2 million CCTV cameras already installed across Britain. The new talkies are expected to cost about £500,000 (nearly $1 million) and target those who "litter our streets, vandalise our communities and damage our properties," according to Home Secretary John Reid. He goes on to state that the original trials in Middlesbrough were "hugely popular" where the local councillor says they've prevented fights, criminal damage, and cut litter levels. Is that enough? Cue the Orwellian dystopia chatter... now.

[Thanks Paul, Image courtesy of Peter Marshall]

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Oi, talking CCTV cameras coming to London originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincctvenglandlondonsurveillancetalking CCTVTalkingCctvukWed, 04 Apr 2007 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the UK sleep-walking into a surveillance society? Duh.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/is-the-uk-sleep-walking-into-a-surveillance-society-duh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/is-the-uk-sleep-walking-into-a-surveillance-society-duh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/is-the-uk-sleep-walking-into-a-surveillance-society-duh/#comments
If you're a regular reader of Engadget then you don't have to live in the UK to know that they loves 'em some surveillance technology. Last year, their Information Commissioner warned that the UK was running the risk of "sleep-walking into a surveillance society." Today, Jack Straw announced that the Commons' Home Affairs committee would be launching an inquiry into the growing use of surveillance. From the kingdom which gave us George Orwell and CCTV cameras with mics, speakers, and the intelligence to detect violent behavior and see through clothes, we're wondering if the move is already a tad too late. Of course, here in the US we shoot each other for game consoles so pick your poison.

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Is the UK sleep-walking into a surveillance society? Duh. originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cctvlegalsurveillanceukThu, 22 Mar 2007 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Smile, you're on Big Brother's in-plane camera!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/smile-youre-on-big-brothers-in-plane-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/smile-youre-on-big-brothers-in-plane-camera/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/14/smile-youre-on-big-brothers-in-plane-camera/#commentsThe folks in the UK aren't laissez-faire about this Big Brother thing one bit, them and Germany are throwing £25 million (bout $49 million US) at the "problem" of monitoring airline passengers with small cameras and microphones in every single seat back to monitor for suspicious behavior. The system will be able to detect rapid eye movements, excessive blinking, twitches, whispers or other symptoms of somebody trying to conceal something, and check the data against individual passenger profiles for alerting the crew to a potential terrorist. Airlines and privacy advocates aren't terribly stoked about the idea, with the airlines saying it'll take 10 years to outfit planes with such systems and the money would be better spent "on preventing terrorists boarding aircraft in the first place." Privacy people figure that "it will put people off flying because they will feel uncomfortable." However, Catherine Neary, the project team leader assures that under the Data Protection Act, all audio and video recordings will be destroyed at the end of each flight. That makes it all better, right?

[Via Smart Mobs]

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Smile, you're on Big Brother's in-plane camera! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplanebig brotherBigBrothercameracctvgermanyprivacyterrorismukWed, 14 Feb 2007 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[CCTV cams in UK, now with loudspeakers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/18/cctv-cams-in-uk-now-with-loudspeakers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/18/cctv-cams-in-uk-now-with-loudspeakers/http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/18/cctv-cams-in-uk-now-with-loudspeakers/#commentsAmerican civil libertarians would do well to keep out of the UK. Now, on top of the more than 4 million video surveillance cameras blanketing The Kingdom, seven of the 158 CCTV cams in the Northern town of Middlesbrough have been fitted with loudspeakers. Do something "anti-social" and prepare for an earful of reprimand from the camera operators. As Jack Bonner, who manages the system, gloats: 'It is one hell of a deterrent. It's one thing to know that there are CCTV cameras about, but it's quite another when they loudly point out what you have just done wrong." As you might expect, yobs who cease their misanthropics will be acknowledged with a polite "thank you" from our well-mannered special friends. How sweet. And if they continue? Well, it's just a matter of time until the Ministry of Love's robots will be dispatched for collection.

[Via Slashdot]

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CCTV cams in UK, now with loudspeakers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CCTVEnglandstreet camersStreetCamerssuveillanceukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 18 Sep 2006 07:57:00 EST