In 2018, it was decided that surveillance cameras would be up in exposed neighborhoods in Borås. 55 locations in Hulta, Hässleholmen and Norrby would be monitored by significantly more cameras at the beginning of last year.

The hopes were high. The cameras could not only reduce crime but also increase the clearance rates.

Preparations were started, including cable routing, and it was expected to have the cameras running for the summer of 2019 anyway. Since then, much seems to have gone wrong. At first, the cameras themselves were delayed.

- It was both a delivery delay plus waiting for new cameras. But they are here now and are basically clear and in place. They work full time with them now, says Deputy Local Police Area Manager Stefan Gustafsson, but do not want to state how far that job has come.

The cameras were not the only problem it turned out. A new camera platform, ie storage capacity, and network capacity were two new areas of pronunciation. Since the cameras have been delayed, you may think it took more time to prepare for these two factors, but:

- So ... that has delayed some. But we hope that everything will be ready soon, says Stefan Gustafsson.

However, he adds that there may be some startup problems, with subsequent delays, once the storage location is clear.

- Everyone has done as well as they could, but it is unfortunate that we are not told exactly why it was so. There are, as I said, different causes as well, he says.

The whole story costs a lot of money, but when asked whether responsibility should end up - with the police or external contractors - Stefan Gustafsson says he has no answer.

- I'm not the one to answer that. There will be speculation. But it is a delay that is unfortunate and that we are not happy about.

The cameras should of course work in the summer when more people are out and more crimes are committed outdoors. Stefan Gustafsson says he received positive signals and that a "best scenario" is if they get started in the "nearest time".

- Today is the first day of summer. But I can't say for sure that we're up and running in two weeks. There are still some uncertainties and we are in the hands of IT on this issue, he says.

The police hope that the cameras will prevent crime, increase security and also help the police solve crimes. But what does the research say?

Hear more in the clip below:

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