Body cameras bid to tackle crime

Images from the cameras can be used in court as evidence

Street wardens in County Durham are turning to technology in the battle against anti-social behaviour.

Wear Valley District Council is issuing tiny cameras which clip onto clothing and record audio and visual information onto a hard drive, worn on the belt.

Live images will be monitored and can also be used in court as evidence.

The cameras will be worn when wardens feel they are going into a situation where there may be a disturbance or evidence of fly tipping.

Supervisors monitoring the live information and sound will evaluate the situation in real-time and despatch assistance if needed.

Street warden supervisor Debbie Hibbitts said: "It's all about improving the service the street wardens offer and giving them as much equipment as possible to enable them to do their jobs.

"We are trying to reassure the public that we are taking as many measures as possible to tackle the issues that most concern them."

Phil Shaw, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator for the council, said: "If the wardens receive a call to say there are gangs congregating in a certain area they will wear the camera to better equip them when they arrive at the scene."