A Gosport trouble spot is set to get a new weapon in the fight against crime, it was announced today.

Civic chiefs say closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) for one vandalism-plagued area of the town are likely to be in operation by July.

Borough councillors are hoping the £45,000 scheme will halt a spate of incidents at the busy Crossways.

The video cameras will scan Crossways shopping area, the doctors' surgery, church, Salvation Army hall, bingo hall, car park and nearby housing - all of which have suffered from vandalism in recent months, says Gosport Borough Council spokesman.

The borough already has 17 CCTV cameras installed in the town centre and Stoke Road areas, and the eye-in-the sky technology has proved hugely successful in helping combat crime in those areas.

Altogether, the cameras have logged more than 1,600 incidents since they were installed in October 1997.

Whites Place car park, which has become a particular target for vandals, will be under close scrutiny, the council spokesman warned.

"These cameras have become invaluable in reducing crime and catching criminals," he said.

"We hope the new cameras at the Crossways will be in operation by July."

The money for the cameras has come from £39,950 of government funding and £5,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget.

Although the council was unsuccessful in obtaining funds for a suitable camera, it plans to continue to add to the CCTV system.

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