RENEWED calls have been made for improved CCTV coverage in Largs town centre after one security camera was reportedly out of action at the time of an alleged serious assault.
The family of the alleged victim told the News that footage was not available due to a technical problem, and Police Scotland have confirmed that a culprit has yet to be caught in relation to last month's incident.
The schoolboy was taken to hospital after an alleged head-stamping attack in the town centre on October 28.
The alleged attacker is described as being five foot seven, and had a black puffer jacket.
The CCTV issue was raised at last week's Largs Community Council meeting held in the Vikingar!
Sergeant Donald Fisher said he was unaware of a problem with the cameras operating in the town centre.
The police were asked at the meeting if they would encourage local businesses to host their own CCTV cameras.
It comes after business owned CCTV helped catch a thief last year who was breaking into shop premises in Largs Main Street.
Sgt Fisher said: "If CCTV is an option for a shop, absolutely I would advise shops to install CCTV.
"Quite frankly the procurator fiscal expects that for the likes of shoplifting and those sorts of offences there needs to be CCTV available as it definitively proves it and sends it beyond any doubt over word of mouth.
"If you can see who it is and who is taking it then it proves it beyond any doubt."
Councillor Tom Marshall said: "There are four CCTV cameras in the town - one of them was down for that particular incident due to water ingress, and that one was back working for November 5, so we are now back to a full complement of CCTV cameras in action in the town centre."
A number of break-ins and window smashes in the town centre happened earlier this year, which resulted in renewed calls for improved CCTV coverage in the area.
Largs businessman Scott Paton said: "I think this proves that there actually needs to be more CCTV in the town centre. It is crucial given that we have the new superstore with Bonmarché, Peacock's, Pondens Home Interiors and Edinburgh Woollen Mill investing in the town.
"I would also encourage other shops and businesses in Largs to have CCTV as it acts as a deterrent.
"I'd say the council have a responsibility as other towns seem to have loads of CCTV and I don't see why Largs should not have extra coverage."
Earlier this year, a North Ayrshire Council spokesperson told us: "At present there are no plans to increase the public space CCTV provision in Largs.
“The cameras and associated infrastructure operated by the public space CCTV system are high spec and consequently any extra cameras would require significant investment.
"Should additional resources become available for more cameras, their locations would be data driven and determined in conjunction with Police Scotland."
And in relation to reports of CCTV not working in Largs, the council said: "Public space CCTV cameras help prevent crime by acting as an essential deterrent, and also assist Police Scotland with their operational duties.
“We are unable to comment on the operation of specific cameras for security reasons.”
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