A DATABASE of all Carterton’s privately-owned CCTV cameras is being compiled to help police know which shops may have caught images of crimes happening.

Police officers have been going door-to-door in the town to try to establish which shops have their own systems.

The database can then be used by police to gather evidence.

Insp Mark Johns, who is overseeing the project, said: “A lot of business premises have lots of different systems. We would like to know what they have, to support us in the prevention and detection of crimes.

“When a crime occurs outside or inside a shop, we have to go knocking on doors to find out what information is available.

“This is to make sure we know who to contact, and the quality of information that we can use.”

Police volunteers Richard Whatmore and Ron Hollis are going round shops, asking about the type of CCTV traders use.

Irene Fowkes, manager of the Helen and Douglas House charity shop, said: “When we first opened, the shoplifting was horrendous.

“The CCTV database would be absolutely brilliant.”

If the Carterton pilot is successful, it will be rolled out to the rest of west Oxfordshire.

Along with Chipping Norton, Carterton is due to get a four- camera CCTV system in the coming months, costing West Oxfordshire District Council a total of £170,000.

Insp Johns said: “The perception of antisocial behaviour is far greater than the actual antisocial behaviour. The neighbourhood police and the local neighbourhood action groups, as well as the town council, are doing a lot of positive work.”

Maureen and Bryan Webb, owners of Shillbrook Stationery, welcomed the system, which they hoped would help tackle problems with underage drinkers congregating behind their shop.

Linda Moore, of Giles Sport, Toys and Cycles, said the town needed CCTV to “continue to thrive.”

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk