"We have got you covered"

Officers now have access to the council's 158 CCTV cameras, which have been placed at trouble hot spots throughout the town.

The pictures, which go through to Swindon Council's Waterside site in Cheney Manor, are now being beamed to the Gablecross police station.

Civil liberty groups have raised concerns over the technology.

But Inspector Willie Glasgow, of Swindon police, said the cameras are already helping to combat anti-social behaviour and will play a key role in tackling more serious crimes.

The police also have two new deployable cameras' which can be moved to areas afflicted by crime and which run off the power from lampposts.

Insp Glasgow said: "It's a really big step forward. Already we are seeing results."

The CCTV has so far led to the arrest of a youth suspected of damaging a phone box and a man believed to have stolen a bicycle.

"This should reassure people," Insp Glasgow said.

"If we have a problem in a particular area we can target it now with CCTV.

"For those people concerned about us spying on their daily business our aim is to use this to specifically target areas where there are problems.

"Through the CCTV we can monitor the problems and who is responsible."

Officers will use the CCTV to gather evidence for anti-social behaviour orders, dispersal orders and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

"This is about developing safer communities," Insp Glasgow said.

This is one of the first wireless networks across the country and it covers 25 locations in the town.

The high quality digital cameras, which record onto a hard drive in the camera and back at the control room, can read a number plate from 400 yards.

Mark Walker, the council's housing policy and regeneration manager, who is responsible for the cameras, said: "The police now have the capability to view all our hot spots.

"In terms of progress it's a real opportunity to work together.

"It can only be good for the people of Swindon."

The latest spot to be covered by cameras is Marlowe Avenue shops.

The five cameras, which cost £20,000, were installed after a stream of complaints from the public.

Coun David Renard, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, said: "I am really pleased to see the council making this investment into our assets and our communities.

"We hope to see local businesses prosper and our tenants feel safer in their homes.

"I know we have experienced some anti-social behaviour in the local area over recent times, but I am sure through this, and other investments that the council is making, we are helping to address these problems."

Viewed with caution

CIVIL liberty groups are concerned about the police using the CCTV.

Andy Newman, of Swindon Stop the War Coalition, said: "The coalition has a position against the erosion of civil liberties.

"The British public are now the most observed and watched in the world. Clearly, sometimes it pays off, if there is a particularly appalling crime and the police are able to get valuable evidence but that's the exceptional case.

"What we have is a vast amount of information stored on people going about their law abiding, day-to-day business.

"I'm sure they're not using it for anything untoward but once the principle is established that people can be filmed every day there's a real problem it could be misused in the future. I find it extremely worrying."

Linda Warren, from the Swindon branch of NO2ID, said: "Generally if it helps the police that's fine, but I think people should be cautious about footage being kept forever. I find our preoccupation with watching what people are doing bizarre."

Camera file

THE 158 cameras are at the following 25 locations. Each site has a number of cameras to provide full coverage of the area.

Cleverton Court, Penhill Seagry Court, Penhill Uphaven Court, Penhill, Braydon Court, Penhill Latton Close, Penhill Hannington Close, Penhill Sussex Square, Walcot Cavendish Square, Park South Hatherleigh Court, Park North Milverton Court, Park North Torrington Court, Park North The Circle, Pinehurst Wingate Parade, Pinehurst Whitebeam Court, Pinehurst George Selman Gardens, Park North Elizabeth House, Walcot St Ives Court, Nythe St Clements Court, Park South Marlowe Avenue, Walcot Pinehurst People's Centre Oasis, Hawksworth Stanton Park, Stanton Fitzwarren Council Offices, Euclid Street Waterside depot, Cheney Manor industrial estate Eldene Village Centre