ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour is successfully being stamped out outside some of Basingstoke's shopping parades, following the installation of CCTV cameras.

Shopkeepers and visitors to the shops have noticed the hike in security has helped to deter young people from hanging around shops and creating an intimidating atmosphere.

Within a week of four cameras being installed around a shopping parade in Burnaby Close, South Ham, in July, profits at the convenience store shot up by five per cent.

Amarjit Singh, the manager of Burnaby Post Office and Stores, also noticed that for the first time in years, a group of elderly people had congregated to have a chat because they now felt safe to do so.

"We used to have problems before, but we've got no gangs outside now - they've all moved on," he said.

He added: "Lots of people feel more comfortable coming in. We've had a couple of incidents where the cameras have helped, such as when a lady was robbed, and also when a lady was attacked."

The CCTV, jointly funded by Basingstoke council and Kingfisher Housing Association, is also currently installed at Anstey Close in Cranbourne, where the cameras have proved to be a success.

Footage captured of an armed robbery at the Alldays store on Hallowe'en night is being used to help police with their investigation.

The incident also highlighted the need for better lighting in the parade and the installation of another camera, which has now been introduced. The scheme is being extended to the Buckskin shopping parade, costing £7,500, and at the Kings Road shopping parade in South Ham. Cameras are also planned for Buckingham Parade in Kempshott next year.

Mobile cameras will also start appearing in hotspots to deal with any problems and incidents that are taking place there.

A similar portable camera used in a block of Kingfisher Housing Association flats in South Ham two years ago led to the conviction of an offender.

"It really is very positive," said Penny Luke, marketing executive for Kingfisher Housing Association. "They're all digital cameras so they have clear images, which helps to pick up more detail about what's going on. We have had some arrests as a result of the cameras."