An Ipswich bar owner has called for increased resources for CCTV staff after an 18-year-old died from stab wounds in the town centre last week.
Steven Wells, of The Shamrock in Tacket Street, said the system must be "proactive rather than reactive" and that he would rather see money spent on securing enough staff to monitor cameras, rather than purchasing more of them.
Freedom of information figures requested by this newspaper revealed there are currently 131 cameras, with 126 of them operational.
Following the death of Raymond James Quigley last week in Westgate Street at 3pm, Ipswich Borough Council announced it would be applying for more CCTV near the town centre.
"What is the point in having more cameras if we don't have enough operators to monitor them?" said Steven.
"Staff have to fulfill all multiple roles while keeping an eye on more than 120 screens.
"CCTV needs to be proactive rather than reactive and villains need to feel that they are being watched.
"On top of that, the public wants to have the confidence that there is another level of protection should anything go wrong.
"So I would rather see money invested in more staff so that cameras can provide a critical service and help to repair confidence in our town."
Following the death of Mr Quigley, police presence has been increased across the town centre.
Both the leader of Ipswich Borough Council David Ellesmere and Ipswich MP Tom Hunt called for further resources to maintain a high number of police in the area.
"I welcome an increase in officers across the town centre," said Steven.
"But there has to be another level of protection.
"CCTV isn't about big brother. It's about supporting police, monitoring those who need to be monitored and ensuring we can get on with our lives.
"One of the largest crimes happening in Ipswich at the moment is a fear of crime.
"We need this to help people feel safe and to promote what a wonderful town this really is."
Chris Barnard, head of place at Ipswich Central, said: "We have been working with Ipswich Borough Council as part of the Safer Streets Fund awarded last year.
"This includes a number of safety measures for the town.
"Ipswich Central also contributes to CCTV annually.
"It’s important that both businesses and residents in Ipswich feel safe, and we fully support anything that can positively impact this.”
Ipswich Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here