NAST

Newton Abbot Security Trust (NAST) operates the CCTV system with a network of 100 cameras covering Newton Abbot town centre area and Kingsteignton, and runs the Radio Link system in Newton Abbot operating under an OFCOM licence which has over 50 members.

The CCTV control room in Market Street is actively monitored 6 days a week, and records activities 24/7. The CCTV system helps keep the town safe and secure. By following potential criminal activity, the NAST team can alert the police and assist them in either preventing criminal activity or detaining suspects. CCTV recordings give crucial evidence of shoplifting, and of antisocial or criminal behaviour. As well as its own CCTV cameras, NAST monitors cameras for Kingsteignton & Teignbridge District Council.

NAST also uses the CCTV cameras to assist with community matters, such as finding lost children, giving first aid support, and helping vulnerable people with mental health or other issues. NAST is managed on a day-to-day basis by Tom Hirst, who is the security manager for the town centre and is based at Austins department store. Tom and the NAST team work closely with other security staff in stores and pubs throughout the town centre, and with edge of town retailers at Penn Inn and Kingsteignton.

NAST is a paid up member of DISC (Database and Intranet for a Safer Community), which enables forwarding and receiving of network information from a wide area covering town centre security. DISC fully complies with the requirements of GDPR.

NAST is a “not for profit“ limited company. The board of directors are appointed by Newton Abbot Chamber of Commerce and by Newton Abbot Town Council, with directors representing each organisation.

NAST operates under its own Constitution and has a Legitimate Interest Statement. NAST Control Room operators are required to have full SIA (Security Industry Authority) licences and Board members have non-front-line SIA licences, issued by the Information Commissioners Office. All CCTV operations comply with the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

Income is generated from Radio Link membership, monitoring various external cameras, general town centre security work, and significant donations received on a regular basis from the Town Council.

NAST is currently exploring the possibility of extending CCTV monitoring services to Teignmouth and Dawlish subject to reaching mutually satisfactory agreements with the respective Town Councils.

12/02/23