Fly-tippers and drug dealers are mobile CCTV targets

The camera can be moved to cover areas blighted by problems such as drug dealing and fly-tipping

Fly-tippers and drug dealers are the targets for a new mobile CCTV camera being used in Keighley.

The 360° device was put up for the first time on Friday in areas of the town plagued by the issues.

It can capture footage in four directions simultaneously and also has automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) capabilities.

Keighley Town Council is behind the initiative along with West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council, who will both have access to images for any future investigations.

Town councillor John Lawless who said there maybe a second mobile camera if the first one is a success

John Lawless is the chair of Keighley Town Council's police and social committee.

He said: "Once they know who it is the police can act upon it and hope to clear the areas of the perpetrators.

"Depending on the success of this one, yes, there are plans for another one to place in other areas around the town."

The camera, which cost £8,000 to buy and install, will be linked to Bradford Council's 24-hour monitoring station.

Its location has not been revealed, but Mr Lawless said it was where drug-taking and dealing activity were present.

He said: "There are areas within the town that are not accessible with normal policing.

"So they put the camera up in areas with anti-social behaviour, drug-taking, drug dealing and also other areas where there's a lot of fly-tipping."

Bradford councillor Mohsin Hussain, who represents the Keighley Central ward, said the launch was "testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal".

Sgt Adam Boothman, from West Yorkshire Police, said: "The introduction of mobile CCTV in Keighley marks a significant step forward in our efforts to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

"These advanced units will allow us to respond swiftly to emerging issues and provide vital support in investigations."

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