A CCTV camera, which is fixed to and powered from a lamppost, has been launched in the West Midlands. The Domehawk system which is operated by remote control, is linked to a video recorder which records any evidence.
The unit contains a digital camera with a 24-hour hard drive which will record in real time.
The cameras have been used in Cape Hill, Smethwick, and other areas of Sandwell where robberies, drug dealing and prostitution have decreased.
'Evidence in court'
Project manager Pc Simon Lusty, from the community safety bureau at West Bromwich, said the units can be moved to different locations to tackle certain crimes.
He said: "With 14 cameras covering 250 sites across the Sandwell borough, the cameras can be tasked to sites to help tackle offences such as vehicle crime, robberies disorder and anti-social behaviour.
"In addition, any images downloaded from the camera can be caught on video and can be used later as evidence in court."
The cameras were first used in Solihull.
Inspector Michaela Kerr said: "We have actively used the cameras to reduce crime and incidents of disorder in our problem areas.
"We are very impressed with the results - there has been a tangible impact on our crime figures."
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