Police say most domestic crimes are drink-fuelled

In the last three years the number of violent crimes, mainly domestic disputes, has risen from 900 to 1,400 in the Derwentside area.

During the two-week pilot scheme, officers will wear the thumb-sized cameras on their temples and will capture images of injuries.

If successful, Durham Police plans to invest in five cameras costing �1,600.

The pilot begins on Friday and police will wear the cameras when dealing with domestic call-outs in South Stanley, Craghead and South Moor - identified as offending "hotspots."

Drink-fuelled

Insp Michael Button, of Durham Police, said: "Officers attending the scene of a reported domestic incident will be able to instantly capture images of the injuries and distress of victims, any damage within the premises and the naming of a suspect.

"Suspects will be arrested, questioned and the striking of digitally-recorded images from the camera can be used as part of the evidence placed before a court.

"The batteries in the cameras have a running time of 400 hours and the constant display of the time and date provides proof of the integrity of the footage."

Police said that most domestic crimes take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and are often fuelled by drink.