The installation of the video surveillance system “should be operational by the end of the year”, said today the president, Vítor Marques (independent), estimating that the project represents an investment “between 200 and 300 thousand euros”, entirely supported by the local authority.

The system, signed today with the PSP, provides for the installation of 20 video surveillance cameras in seven locations in the city, such as Praça 5 de Outubro and its accesses and also in Largo Conde Fontalva, close to Rotunda da Rainha D. Leonor.

The locations were chosen "because they have a high flow of people, commercial establishments and heritage to preserve", explained the mayor.

The measure aims to “combat crime and improve the safety of the population in public spaces”, although, according to Vitor Marques, Caldas da Rainha is “a safe city”, where “crime rates have fallen”.

Caldas da Rainha thus becomes “the second city in the district [after Leiria]”, in the PSP area, to implement the system “which is not to monitor anyone, it is to protect, as a community, a value and an absolutely non-negotiable asset, which is people’s safety”, stated the district commander of this police force, Duarte Antunes.

According to the commander, “the system belongs to the camera, but will be operated by the PSP”, that is, the images can only be accessed by “certain elements” of the police, at local and district level.

The protocol signed today in Caldas da Rainha is followed by the sending of information to the Ministry of Internal Administration, which is responsible for authorising the installation of the cameras.

The Mayor of Caldas da Rainha admits that the video surveillance system may be extended to other parts of the city, in a second phase of investment.