Camera surveillance could increase dramatically in Epping Forest despite spiralling repair costs to existing CCTV.

Epping Forest District Council considered a report this week that discussed installing an additional 166 cameras across the district by the end of 2017.

The move would be a 34 per cent increase in CCTV coverage, despite plans to update the current equipment already potentially costing more than £370,000.

Of the new cameras, about 100 will be installed in 15 new sites in areas such as Waltham Abbey, Chigwell and Ongar by April this year.

“Over the years that CCTV has been in place, the council has gained respect from local residents and businesses for providing a reliable and robust CCTV service,” the report says.

“The point has now been reached where an increased budget is required, to meet the costs of replacing old equipment and the increased servicing and maintenance costs.”

Repair costs alone increased by 115.9% between 2014/15 and 2015/16 according to the report.

Many cameras are reaching the end of their life expectancy of between five and seven years and will require a system update or complete replacement.

It was suggested that removing under-used cameras could save some money.

“In order to reduce ongoing costs of CCTV in the district, the council will be undertaking a decommissioning assessment exercise.

“This will focus on CCTV systems that are under-utilised in terms of reporting and requests for downloads.”

However, the report also pointed out that removal some cameras could see crime increase.

“It is important to note that if these sites are decommissioned … there is a risk that crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour may increase.”

The Community Safety Team responsible for CCTV in the district expect to cover the costs of repairs and new cameras through advertising and loaning equipment but they have confirmed that budgets do not account for inflation.