SR International
Monday, November 6, 2006

Swedish Radio News reports that the number of surveillance cameras in public places has more than doubled here in the past four years.

County councils have approved more than 900 applications for new cameras so far this year. Most are intended to prevent crime in taxis and schools. But criminologists say confidence in the cameras is misplaced.

One researcher at the Swedish Crime Prevention Council says that cameras are not always the best solution for each location. Other criminologists say criminals just move their activities away from the cameras, and that there aren’t enough follow-up studies.

Swedish Radio News also reports that the number of surveillance cameras has greatly increased in areas not regarded as public, where no permission is needed.