CCTV not working at city crime hotspot due to works and rats

The security cameras at Rhubarb Bridge have been off since September last year while works have been taking place at the bridge.

The Peterborough Telegraph had reported in October 2017 the cameras were not working as rats had chewed through the cables. At the time police were investigating a rape and serious sexual assault which happened on a footpath at the bridge.

Peterborough City Council has been carrying out vital repair works on the bridge, which had been threatened with demolition.

Earlier this month the council insisted that the crossings are safe, but said pedestrians and cyclists felt ‘intimidated’ by using Rhubarb Bridge due to previous incidents of serious crime at the location - including robbery - and that it was not accessible for vulnerable residents.

Today a council spokeswoman said there had been historical problems with rodents chewing through the cables in the area leading to the cameras not working.

To fix the problem, the council put in place plans for extra thick cabling and ducting for the cameras - as well as the installation of three new cameras, with the work scheduled to finish by the end of April.

However, the COVID-19 shut down has meant the works have not yet finished, and the CCTV cameras have still not been switched on.

A council spokeswoman said: “Finishing works are continuing this week, which includes CCTV installation.”

On June 9, at about 8.30pm a woman was held up at knife point by a man on a bike at the crossing. He is described as white, in his late 20s, tall, slim, with a distinctive pointed nose and mousy brown hair with a fringe. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, grey hooded top and a black backpack.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.