BBC NEWS | Programmes | Breakfast | Digital CCTV scheme switches on

A closed circuit television system described as the most advanced and largest in the UK is being switched on in Manchester on Friday.

The �3m operation uses digital technology to cover the whole of the city centre, with 400 cameras.

Footage can be retrieved immediately, over a 13-week period, cutting out the need to look through hours of video tape.

Home Office Minister Lord Falconer, who will unveil the scheme, said the technology would help in the battle against street crime.

Breakfast's Luisa Baldini was live from the centre:

Click here to watch our interview with Gordon Mckinnon

Gordon Mckinnon from Manchester City Centre Management Company said:

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"Arrests are up by 60% for the last 3 months compared to same period last year."

This is the first time all elements of the security package have been brought together. There are 400 cameras in the state of the art system. It has been hugely successful in the pilot period. In the past 3 months, there has been an increase of 60% in arrests compared to the same period last year. Extending and link ups are possible. We're catering for vast majority who want to shop in safety.

Click here to watch our interview with Prof Martin Gill.

Breakfast interviewed Professor Martin Gill from the Scarman Centre at the University of Leicester. He's carrying out a study on the efficiency of CCTV.

CCTV is popular in car parks and isolated places, but on a busy shopping street where a bag is snatched their use is limited, as they can't isolate the person who has committed the crime.

We also talked to Chief Inspector Bryan Lawton from Greater Manchester Police.

click here to watch Inspector Lawton's interview in full

It has been successful already, arrests are up. We don't feel we're being big brother. People have nothing to fear from CCTV and everything to gain.

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The aim is to cut street crime

The cameras will be operated from a control centre in the city where the images they record can be seen on a 60ft wall of monitors.

Organisers say the scheme is the largest single security camera project controlled from one centre in the country.

Lord Falconer said "Crime overall is down, but street crime - mainly robberies - has continued to rise.

"Building on existing CCTV in Manchester city centre, the control centre will be an effective tool in tackling criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

'Amazing transformation'

"It will allow more and more people to enjoy the attractions of the city centre knowing they are in a safe environment."

The control centre has been piloted since February this year, but will now be fully operational.

Councillor Kath Robinson, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester's city centre has experienced an amazing transformation in recent years.

"It is an area where businesses want to invest and where people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time.

"This fantastic new facility will allow us to continue to protect individuals and stakeholders and their peaceful enjoyment of our magnificent city centre."

The project is jointly funded by Manchester City Council together with NCP Manchester Limited (NML) and has the support of Greater Manchester Police.


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