BIG Brother could be watching you... Two new mobile CCTV units were launched this week to help crack down on crime in the Wyre area.

The Wyre Community Safety Partnership secured £120,000 of central government funding for the two transit van units. The total cost of the scheme is £160,000 with Wyre Borough Council providing the remaining £40,000.

Wyre Borough Council leader Pat Catlow said: "We are very pleased to have the two mobile CCTV units for use in Wyre. The system will be of great benefit to the whole community -- all who live, work, trade, visit and enjoy the facilities of Wyre."

The vans are fitted with high resolution surveillance equipment and are manned by police officers to detect, report and record incidents. The units have a direct link to the police contact centre at Lancaster where situations can be monitored and responded to.

The units are capable of overt and covert operations and will be used to target "hotspot" areas and crimes identified by the police.

They will be particularly targeting and preventing car crime, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, shop theft, domestic burglary, assaults, drug dealing and vandalism. They will also be used to monitor traffic accident spots, aiming to reduce road casualties.

Chief Supt Stuart Kirkby said: "The mobile units represent another benefit of agencies working together to reduce crime and disorder. The new system will help the Partnership reassure the people of Wyre and reduce their fear of crime."

CRIME MONITOR: Wyre Council leader Pat Catlow tries out one of the new mobile units