The hi-tech crime fighting tool has so far secured eight Anti-Social Behaviour Contracts and stemmed rowdy behaviour problems in Ingleby Barwick.

The prototype, which was launched in February, was the brainchild of Pc Kevin Stockley, a local beat officer.

The camera is now half the size of the prototype and can operate for up to 20 hours at a time.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "The original video was only capable of recording seven hours of footage."

'Invaluable tool'

Pc Stockley added: "I am now able to cover around 20-30 miles a day and film for the whole duration of the shift.

"Another modification means the device can be unhooked and mounted onto the shoulder whilst house searches are carried out.

"It has become an invaluable tool and has seen anti social behaviour plummet since word of the camera has got round."

Wardens patrolling the streets of a County Durham town are also being equipped with new camera technology.

Darlington Community Safety Partnership's uniformed wardens will have the cameras attached to their hats to gather evidence.

Images they capture may be used in court to support their work to tackle anti-social behaviour.