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PLANS are under way to update CCTV cameras in Andover town centre to make them more effective at identifying criminals.

Speaking at Monday night's Andover Councillors' Forum, Cllr Sandra Hawke said: "The system does need upgrading, so rather than put in new cameras here, there and everywhere, we are looking at moving to digital.

"There are some in the Chantry Centre already and we want to do the system as a whole and a consultation is going on. There is a plan and it will be worth it."

Inspector Darius Hemmatpour of Andover Police said although the system would benefit from enhancement, the current cameras are still very useable and useful in identifying suspects.

He said: "It's a useful tool and it has a part to play. We use it on a regular basis and have identified and charged people with evidence gathered on cameras."

But Cllr David Drew urged the council to take care when deciding to make changes.

He said: "The primary purpose of CCTV is to deter crime.

"If it's going to work as a deterrent then the hardened criminals or petty thieves must know that we have an effective system, which perhaps cannot tell what brand of cigarettes they are smoking from a thousand paces, but can at least identify them."

Mr Drew, who said he has worked for the BBC and was responsible for picture quality, added: "Digital is not necessarily the be-all and end-all - what's crucial is the resolution of the cameras."

Carey Taylor, spokesman for Test Valley Borough Council, said: "Money has been allocated in the budget for CCTV and officers will report to councillors in the late summer about the most appropriate technology to meet the future needs of the system."

3:07pm Friday 16th May 2008

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