New CCTV system helps police fight crime

New cameras, which are monitored around the clock, have already gone up in Hounslow town centre and Heston, among other places. They are due to be rolled out to more 'hotspots' identified by the council, police and fire brigade.

Successes so far include:

A man being arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs at the junction of Neals Corner and Hounslow High Street. Police officers were directed to the scene by a CCTV operator and caught the suspect allegedly trying to discard the drugs

Police breaking up a fight between five youths after being alerted by CCTV operators

Officers in Chiswick tracking down a car belonging to a suspected drugs dealer after the vehicle was caught on camera failing to stop

A man who climbed onto ledge of the Treaty Centre car park in Hounslow with a knife being helped away from the edge and given medical treatment after he was spotted by CCTV operators.

Council leader Peter Thompson said: "We know people feel safer when there are cameras on the streets - which is why we made it one of our 10 promises to residents.

"But we aren't interested in just putting them up for the sake of it. We want them where they're needed, and for those that are already in place to work better.

"That's why the police have been involved every step of the way - helping us site cameras and put systems in place that will help them do their job.

"These early successes are encouraging, and I'm confident there will be more to come as the scheme continues to be rolled out across the borough over the coming months."