LANCASTER'S flourishing nightlife is to feature on film - courtesy of Lancashire Constabulary.

A mobile video surveillance unit is to home in on potential late-night hot spots during busy weekends to help local police identify potential troublemakers.

The video material will be used to assess crowd movement and help licensing magistrates establish an accurate picture of the city's nightlife.

The video unit will be operating over the next few weekends and Sgt Ken Clayson said: "The purpose of this exercise is to monitor the way that crowds form and see how their movements impact upon others. We have a rough idea of where the crowds are attracted to, for example pubs, clubs and fast food takeaways, but we need to ensure that our policing response will be directed towards making the people who want to enjoy a sociable night out in Lancaster feel safe, involved and reassured."

The video surveillance unit will operate alongside the current CCTV cameras.

Sgt Clayson added: "A mobile unit will be able to roam wherever the crowds go and may well assist in the siting of any future cameras. The mobile unit is not a permanent feature but it is there to ensure that we get our policing operation right and emphasize the importance we place upon safety of individuals at night in our town centre."

Commenting on the role of the surveillance unit if they witness a crime being committed, Sgt Clayson said: "The primary role of the unit will be to watch general behaviour. If information comes to our attention from the video unit, we will investigate the occurrence in the same way we do for any incidents."

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