NEWLY-installed anti-crime cameras are 'blind' during the night because of a shortage of operators.

The CCTV system, installed in Wantage and Abingdon town centres, cannot provide 24-hour surveillance until more people are recruited.

Jerry Patterson, chairman of the CCTV working party on the Vale of White Horse District Council, admitted: "There has been a shortfall in staff, but this is now being dealt with and some time this month there will be full coverage.

"We're in the process of recruiting additional people and they'll be in place by the end of the month.

"It's always difficult to say you'll maintain it 24 hours a day with people on sick leave and taking holidays, and at the moment it it's not 24-hour monitoring."

The Herald understands that, at present, the cameras are manned from 7.30am each day until 11.30pm at night.

But Mr Patterson, not wishing to be drawn, merely commented: "The police have advised us as to when they want it monitored."

The new system will be officially launched on Monday, May 18, at The Charter control centre in Abingdon, at a gathering which will include the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Charles Pollard. Despite the staff shortages, the CCTV system in both towns has already proved just how effective it can be in prompting an immediate police response to a suspected crime.

On Monday, a number of youths were arrested in Wantage after camera operators in Abingdon noticed them acting suspiciously outside two local stores.

Stolen sweets were found on one of the group and, after questioning, the youngsters were released with a caution.

Wantage area beat officer, Pc Pete Butler, praised the way in which the CCTV had proved itself in operation.

"Theft is theft," he said. "This may only have involved sweets, but it shows how effective it is."

(Abingdon add to come)

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