By Liz HearnshawMORE criminals will soon be behind bars thanks to a state-of-the-art extension to a borough's CCTV system, a leading councillor has said.

By Liz Hearnshaw

MORE criminals will soon be behind bars thanks to a state-of-the-art extension to a borough's CCTV system, a leading councillor has said.

Ten digital cameras will be placed at potential crime hot-spots in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.

Giving clearer pictures than the existing system, the new cameras will also have a greater range than the older models.

Frank Warby, St Edmundsbury Borough Council's portfolio holder for housing, health and crime, said: “I am absolutely delighted and think it is great we are getting these new cameras.

“The cost will be met from car parking fees, so this will not cost the taxpayer a penny, but will benefit the whole community.

“The existing system put a lot of villains away for drug dealing and shoplifting and people know they can walk through town in safety because of the system. If there is a handbag snatch, for example, it will be caught on camera.”

The existing CCTV system in the St Edmundsbury borough was set up in 1995 and has been used extensively as part of a Shop Watch scheme to help catch people who steal from stores.

“People have now accepted CCTV cameras are not spies in the sky and have a useful purpose. They give a sense of security and add to people's safety,” said Mr Warby.

“We are looking at potential hot-spots, such as shopping precincts on the estates, and this will help catch visiting thieves who come into the area thinking these stores are an easy, unprotected target. These people will now fall foul of the cameras.

The extension to the CCTV system is due to be discussed by the council's cabinet in December and should be in place early in the New Year.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: “We are currently working with the council to identify areas which maybe suitable for the installation of CCTV cameras, which are a useful tool in the policing armoury.”

liz. hearnshaw@eadt.co.uk