CLOSE-CIRCUIT spy cameras could move to where the crime is hottest in Blackpool.

Movable cameras are among new tactics in the crimefight as Blackpool Council bids for Home Office aid to help fund the £175,000 third phase of the resort's highly-successful CCTV scheme.

Shopping areas away from the main town centre and volatile housing estates would be prime areas to benefit from the cameras, which could be temporarily fixed on buildings or posts wherever they are needed.

If the new bid is approved next month, the number of cameras on the system would total 32 and would be monitored 24 hours a day.

Council executive member for urban issues Coun Roy Fisher said: "Movable cameras will certainly be a possibility within residential areas and shopping streets.

"It makes sense to be able to move them to where they're most needed, but only in conjunction with the static camera system."

The police have found CCTV a useful aid in detecting and deterring crime. Chief Insp Mark Bartlett said many shopkeepers in areas like Highfield Road, Lytham Road and Red Bank Road wanted to be included in the scheme and transportable cameras could be the answer.

He said: "We are looking at a movable system as opposed to mobile CCTV vans, which cost too much to staff and are not available 24 hours a day," he said.

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