North Wales Police have bought a mobile CCTV van costing more than �130,000 to use in areas of Denbighshire and Conwy.

If we can prevent youths progressing from anti-social behaviour, in theory, we will prevent people from moving on to other crimes in the future

Chief Inspector Mike Mullis

Chief Inspector Mike Mullis believes the "big brother" tactic will help in the fight against crime.

"We see this as a positive step in combatting the causes of burglary and anti-social behaviour within the counties of Denbighshire and Conwy," he said.

Mr Mullis added: "It will also help reduce the fear of crime to people in less populated areas.

"We view anti-social behaviour as the kindergarden of crime.

North Wales Police launched the mobile scheme

"If we can prevent youths progressing from anti-social behaviour, in theory, we will prevent people from moving on to other crimes in the future."

Last year the government launched a �3m crackdown on crime in Wales by unveiling new CCTV cameras.

A total of 16 schemes were set up to target crime hot spots such as high street shopping centres, public transport networks and car parks, and hospital sites.

The CCTV mobile van is being introduced in north Wales after it proved successful over the border in Merseyside.

Useful tool

Statistics suggest the use of the vehicle has had a major impact in the reduction of crime.

It will primarily be used to target crime hot-spots in the two counties for up to 14 hours per-day.

The van and equipment has been financed by Denbighshire and Conwy Community Safety Partnerships.

The organisation's chairman Charles Phillips has praised the initiative.

"The mobile CCTV van is seen as a very useful tool in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour problems," he said.