Video emerges of speed camera being cut down in Wigan as police investigate

Police are investigating possible ‘criminal damage’ after a video appeared on social media showing a speed camera being cut down in Wigan.

Two yellow speed cameras installed in the borough just a matter of months ago were discovered on the ground on Friday (December 29th).

One was lay on the pavement on Wallgate near Wigan Pier and the other on the grass along Spring Road, in Kitt Green.

It was previously unclear why the devices had fallen, but footage came to light on YouTube appearing to show someone dressed in dark clothing cutting one of the devices down.

The video, which has since been taken down, displayed the time and date and looked to be that of CCTV footage belonging to a property on the street.

The black and white video records the incident shortly after 11.30pm on Thursday, December 28th.

In it, a figure on a bike dressed in dark clothing appears to be cutting the stem of the camera as sparks and flashes of light bounce off it.

Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed they are investigating both incidents as suspected criminal damage. The new speed cameras were among a number of newly installed devices around the borough in the summer.

Police and transport bosses condemned the acts. Inspector Stephen Hanley, from Wigan police, told Wigan Today the damage is a ‘cause for concern’ and urged any witnesses to come forward to help with police enquiries. 

Speaking to the news publication, he said: “The recent criminal damage to two speed cameras on Wallgate and Spring Road, Wigan on December 29th is a cause for concern.

“Speed cameras play a crucial role in road safety and are put in place to deter speeding and ultimately keep the public safe. Exceeding the speed limit increases the time it takes for vehicles to stop and can increase the chances of a fatality resulting from a collision.

“We therefore take reports of this nature very seriously and GMP Wigan division is investigating these crimes. I would urge the community to report any relevant information or footage to police that may help with our enquiries.”

Peter Boulton, Transport for Greater Manchester’s head of highways, also told the publication: “We strongly condemn the irresponsible actions of those who have vandalised two spot speed safety cameras which have recently been upgraded in Wigan.

“These cameras are used to stop people speeding, reduce collisions and make our roads safer for everyone that uses them.

“Speeding is a cause in most fatal collisions and in Wigan alone 57 people have been needlessly killed or seriously injured between 2020 and 2022 as a result of speeding.

“It is beyond reckless for these people to vandalise these spot speed safety cameras, and I would urge them to consider the potential consequences of there being one less camera on our roads and how they would feel if the next person killed by someone speeding is a friend, relative or loved one.”