Witham Library may equip staff with body cameras due to teen antisocial behaviour impacting library and local shops.
Now, librarians might wear body cameras. This would discourage bad behavior. Shopkeepers also complain about these teens, and they say the teens hurt their businesses.
Ross Playler spoke about the issue, stating that it is larger than just the library. A small group of teenagers are causing problems, impacting shops, including instances of shoplifting. The library also feels the impact.
The teens bother other library visitors and act impolitely to staff. They are also rude to the security guard. Playler thinks body cameras on librarians are bizarre and finds it all very sad.
Mark Durham discussed county council actions, mentioning that they are dealing with similar issues at Colchester. There, they install new doors to stop bad behavior because libraries face antisocial actions, often involving younger people.
Durham does not want to blame all young people, emphasizing that libraries are for study. Protecting staff is important, so cameras could help.
They work with local police and engage Braintree Council. The goal is to handle these problems because this bad behavior is unfair and also increases costs for everyone.
Colchester needs new, police-approved doors and a dedicated security officer might be needed. This officer would visit problematic libraries, and they hope this will solve the issues.