http://www.daelnet.co.uk/countrynews/country_news_03052006_5.cfm

THE latest in high-tech policing equipment made its first outing in one Northern Dales town over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The small digital surveillance camera was clipped to the heads of the Northallerton Neighbourhood Policing Team as they patrolled the town's annual May Fair. And it was used to record several instances of anti-social behaviour.

It is one of three of the digital body worn surveillance systems bought by the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership over the last few months.

The technology - worth £15,550 - sees a high resolution ultra-portable camera worn on the head. The unit is linked to a digital video recorder complete with an LCD screen and hard drive, making instant playback and storage of around 400 hours of sound and video footage possible.

"This camera was a very efficient evidence gathering and crime prevention tool throughout the weekend," said Sgt Simon Wilson from Northallerton's Neighbourhood Policing Team.

"We filmed footage of three arrests as well as evidence of disorder and anti-social behaviour. The general public showed great interest in this new piece of equipment and made several enquiries about its potential and usage.

"It is a positive step forward towards reducing crime and anti-social behaviour."