£2m CCTV scheme to tackle crime

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A total of £2m is to be spent expanding CCTV systems across Northern Ireland, the government has announced.

The money will fund 87 new cameras in 19 areas where there are problems with crime and anti-social behaviour.

The government said it was part of a drive to make streets, towns and cities safer and give the business community additional security.

The police said CCTV had proved an "extremely useful tool" in the prevention and detection of crime.

The £2m was allocated to the winners of the CCTV Challenge Fund competition.

They areas are Ballymena; Bangor and Holywood; Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart; Downpatrick and Newcastle; Enniskillen; Glengormley; Lisburn; Newry, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel; Newtownards; North Belfast; Omagh; Portadown and Lurgan.

Making the announcement, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson said the additional CCTV coverage would give the public and business community "extra reassurance".

"The message being sent out today is very clear. We will not tolerate criminal or anti-social behaviour, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted if you take part in this activity," he said.

'Detecting crime'

The police have told the BBC there were more than 450 arrests as a direct result of CCTV footage in Belfast city centre in the first eight months of this year.

Assistant Chief Constables Duncan McCausland and Judith Gillespie welcomed the expansion of the cameras.

"CCTV has proven to be an extremely effective tool in the prevention and detection of crime," they said in a statement.

"It assists police in responding quickly and appropriately to developing situations, as well as providing vital evidence in a large number of crime investigations every year. "

Policing Board Chairman Sir Desmond Rea said anything that contributes to a reduction in crime or the fear of crime should be welcomed.

"Creating a safer community is a challenge for us all, and CCTV can play an important role in overcoming that challenge," he said.

"People often feel safer in the knowledge that CCTV is being operated effectively in the areas within which they live and work."

The expansion of town centre CCTV schemes is being launched under the title "Looking out for you".