Closed circuit television (CCTV) has been a huge success in Lincoln in the past year - resulting in 1,700 arrests, a police spokesman has said.

The 24-hour surveillance unit, based at Lincoln City Hall, was opened six years ago as part of the Save the City campaign.

Control room manager Shane Harrison said: "CCTV is very useful for Lincoln as it brings together the police, Shoplink, Urban Rangers and Publink and city centre management."

"We have had good results so far," he said.

Lost children

The unit has 24 screens that allow the operators to monitor violent and anti-social behaviour and inform police when necessary.

Inspector Clive Kirk of Lincolnshire police says: "The CCTV allows us to get to incidents before they get troublesome and diffuse situations before they get out of hand."

"The public knows it is here and feel reassured that they are being looked after while they do their daily business."

There are 114 cameras around the Lincoln area.

The surveillance unit works closely with pubs in the city and shares information about possible troublemakers and criminals.

The Shoplink programme allows businesses deal with problems with shoplifters and lost children by providing retailers with descriptions and information via a radio network.