A RISING tide of violent crime on Preston's streets has forced police to unveil a new weapon.

They have created a mobile surveillance unit - a police van equipped with a video camera to target town centre violence and catch the perpetrators on film.

Weekend revellers are set to be the first to come under its watchful eye while it patrols potential trouble spots outside nightclubs and pubs.

Acting Chief Inspector Peter Tickle of Preston Police said: "It's needed because of the high level of public disorder and violent crime at certain times in the town.

"The deployment of a highly visible mobile surveillance unit will send out a signal to potential troublemakers. If they are caught offending on camera there is a likelihood that they will be later identified and the video evidence used against them." He acknowledged that some people might see the new scheme as an invasion of their privacy, but added: "The reason for this van is to protect the vast majority of law-abiding people who might be subjected to violent crime.

"In my opinion, that safety is of greater importance than the feelings of a very small number of people who might be worried about having their civil rights infringed."

He stressed that there would be strict rules covering who would be allowed to watch the tapes, how long they would be kept and what officers are allowed to film.

"We don't want to end up pointing it at courting couples in doorways - but if people are fighting or if other crimes are being committed they will be photographed," he explained. From the beginning of July, the surveillance van will patrol streets outside town centre pubs and clubs between 10pm and 3am at weekends.

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