TV cameras cut crime in towns

Crimes in town centres can be cut by installing closed circuit television cameras linked to local councils and police stations, according to figures released yesterday.

King's Lynn council in Norfolk reported a reduction of more than 90 per cent in car thefts and stealing from vehicles in the first year of using a camera system.

Strathclyde police also reported a 75 per cent drop in town centre crime in the first five months after a pounds 130,000 system was installed in Airdrie. Chief Insp Graeme Pearson, of Strathclyde Police, said: 'Even criminals are saying the cameras are good for them because it can prove they had nothing to do with a particular incident.'