Protecting Our Green Spaces

Runners in a park in Leicestershire

Public green spaces, such as parks, village greens, recreation grounds, and nature reserves, are the heart of our communities. They bring people together, promote wellbeing, and provide much-needed escapes from urban environments. But as valuable as they are, these spaces present unique security challenges for local councils and parish authorities across the UK.

Whether it's managing antisocial behaviour, deterring vandalism, or addressing concerns around safety after dark, protecting green spaces is becoming an increasing priority. With limited manpower and large open areas to monitor, councils are turning to modern technology to support their efforts—particularly CCTV (closed-circuit television) and VSS (video surveillance systems).

The Challenges of Securing Green Spaces

Unlike commercial or residential buildings, green spaces are open by nature. There are often multiple entry points, limited lighting, and a large surface area to manage. Councils also face other obstacles:

• Antisocial behaviour: Loitering, substance abuse, and verbal abuse can create intimidating environments for residents and reduce public use of green spaces.

• Vandalism and graffiti: Damage to public equipment, seating, play areas, and landscaping is costly and time-consuming to repair.

• Fly-tipping and littering: Illegal dumping and excessive litter not only harm the environment but also create public health concerns.

• Lone worker safety: Council workers and contractors often operate alone in parks or green spaces, sometimes at risk of confrontation or injury.

How CCTV Supports Public Space Security

Installing CCTV in parks and green areas can drastically reduce crime and antisocial behaviour by providing real-time monitoring, deterrence, and valuable post-incident evidence. Here are some of the key benefits for councils:

Cameras in prime position on a Leicestershire park

1. Deterrence and Prevention

Visible CCTV cameras act as a deterrent to potential offenders. The presence of surveillance can reduce the likelihood of vandalism, loitering, and illegal activities, particularly in areas that are hotspots for previous incidents.

2. Real-Time Monitoring and Response

Modern CCTV systems can be monitored live by council security staff or through third-party monitoring stations. This enables real-time responses to suspicious behaviour or emergencies, enhancing safety for park users and staff alike.

3. Evidence Collection

High-definition video footage helps identify offenders and supports law enforcement in prosecuting crimes. It also provides councils with evidence for insurance claims or to justify security budgets.

4. Remote Access and Smart Integration

With cloud-based CCTV solutions, councils can monitor multiple sites across towns or villages from a central control room or even via mobile devices. These systems can also integrate with lighting controls, PA systems, and access control points to create a more robust, responsive security network.

5. Cost-Effective Security

CCTV systems offer long-term cost savings compared to deploying physical patrols. With proper maintenance, they provide continuous coverage and peace of mind for a fraction of the ongoing costs of personnel.

Gates guarding a public space, installed by Rossells

The Rossells Advantage for Local Authorities

With over 90 years of service across Leicester and the wider East Midlands, Rossells Security has extensive experience working with councils to secure public spaces. We provide bespoke CCTV and security solutions designed specifically for outdoor environments. From high-spec cameras with night vision and motion detection to robust data protection and compliance with GDPR regulations, our systems are built for public safety.

We understand that every green space has different requirements. That’s why we offer site surveys, risk assessments, and scalable solutions that evolve with your needs. Whether you're protecting a single play park or an entire portfolio of recreation areas, our team is ready to help.

Let's Work Together to Keep Communities Safe

Protecting green spaces is about more than just preventing crime—it's about fostering safe, inclusive areas where communities can thrive. If you're a local council, parish authority, or facilities manager looking to improve public space security, Rossells Security is your trusted partner.

Get in touch today for a free consultation and discover how CCTV and integrated security can transform the safety of your outdoor spaces.