ACCRINGTON'S state-of-the-art closed circuit television system is to come under the spotlight in a BBC documentary.

The crime-busting cameras - which helped in more than 200 arrests in six months - have been chosen as a prime example of British policing.

The revealing half-hour long documentary will include footage from the town's 16 mechanical spies and comments from the man behind their success, Sergeant Terry Cavanagh. The Crimebeat programme, which will be introduced by BBC's news frontman Martyn Lewis, also looks into the work of Accrington's community wardens - described by Sgt Cavanagh as "not unlike Dixon of Dock Green."

It reveals shocking scenes recorded by the cameras since they were installed in December 1995, at a cost of £280,000.

One shows a woman assaulting passers-by in Broadway shopping area, while in another a young man is seen vandalising a telephone box.

Car thieves are also caught red-handed as they go about their crime spree, unaware that the eye of the law is watching them.

Sgt Cavanagh said: "Without doubt, the cameras have been very efficient in catching criminals. Thanks to the system, police can be at the scene far quicker and can identify the law-breakers.

"It has also worked as a deterrent. Crime in the town centre has fallen by more than 50 per cent - car crime even more so."

He added: "We were honoured to be chosen as an example of how successful CCTV is and we're not about to stop now. We will continue to apply for more money to extend the scheme and make outlying areas safer."

Crimebeat will be screened in March.

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