REVELLERS in Essex towns will come under the spotlight this weekend when police officers don head cameras for the first time.

James Hore

REVELLERS in Essex towns will come under the spotlight this weekend when police officers don head cameras for the first time.

Officers across Tendring are the first in Essex Police's eastern division to be fitted with cameras that will be used in an effort to combat late night crime and anti-social behaviour.

The seven cameras are being trialled on Friday and Saturday nights by neighbourhood policing teams in the district that includes towns such as Frinton and Clacton.

Chief Inspector Jon Hayter, the Tendring district commander, said: “The seven cameras will be shared between neighbourhood policing teams in Harwich, Clacton, Walton, Frinton and Brightlingsea.

“These cameras will enable us to gather the best evidence that we can for alcohol-related and anti-social behaviour crimes. They will also act as a deterrent.

“We hope that they will be a great aide in the work we and our partners are doing to combat the problems associated with the night time economy,” added Ch Insp Hayter.

Terry Allen, mayor of Frinton, hit the headlines after he put forward a proposal for Police Community Support Officers to be given night-vision goggles.

Last night he told the EADT he welcomed the trial period for the head cameras, saying he hoped it would have the same success as the night vision goggles.

“I think the problem is that a lot of respect has gone and the good thing about the cameras is that they will show when people are mouthing off or causing trouble when they are being arrested.

“This also sorts out the issue of whether people are guilty or innocent because the cameras do not lie.

“The other good thing is when you have a lone police officer, or a couple, they will be able to look back later for information gathering purposes.”

He said he was glad the police were following in Frinton Town Council's footsteps with the surveillance trial.

james.hore@eadt.co.uk