Cameras used to improve behaviour

Violence has been on the rise in Newcastle

Police in Newcastle-under-Lyme are taking to the streets with video cameras in an effort to curb anti-social behaviour.

There has been an increase in the number of pubs and clubs in the town in recent years, and a consequent rise in crime.

Officers have now started using hand-held video cameras in the town at night to gather evidence.

The filming is also designed to act as a deterrent.

It is a tremendous deterrent effect

Inspector Paul Giannasi

Inspector Paul Giannasi of Staffordshire police said the cameras were making a genuine difference.

"People know that once they've been to court, or their mates have been to court, shown with footage that they can't contest, the word gets around," he said.

"We can anecdotally show of people who have changed their behaviour because of the presence of police officers with video cameras in the town.

"It is a tremendous deterrent effect."

The video patrols will continue for the next few months.