It is hoped the messy offender will be captured on tape

Camera operators in Haverhill have been asked to keep an eye out for the dog leaving nightly messes outside a shop.

Richard Whitehead, acting environmental officer with St Edmundsbury District Council, said: "It does sound a bit big-brotherish, but it isn't meant to be.

"If we can narrow the time down and spot the person we think it may be, our wardens can go out and speak to them."

He said the problem had been a recurring one in the high street in Haverhill.

"Between the hours of around 10pm and five in the morning a dog - and we think it is a large dog because of the size of the deposit it leaves - has been fouling the pavement in the same spot outside the same newsagents."

Mr Whitehead added: "It's not feasible to have wardens hanging around all night which is why we've decided to utilise the cameras already there.