Roving eyes may be cast over the borough's crime hotspots after a Barnet councillor this week pushed for investment in mobile CCTV cameras.

Labour councillor Kath McGuirk is using a private member's bill to ask for funding for mobile CCTV cameras to be included in next year's budget. She said: "Although crime statistics for smaller shopping areas are comparatively low, fear of crime and trouble at certain times of day are still important issues. Mobile CCTV is part of the answer, along with neighbourhood wardens and police action."

Barnet Council currently operates fixed CCTV cameras in Edgware and Golders Green town centres and on the Graham Park Estate, while it recently secured government funding for CCTV in North Finchley.

The cost of mobile CCTV schemes range from £25,000 to £150,000 and Miss McGuirk admits this is a problem. She added: "There is always a funding issue and the gap in funding CCTV needs to be filled. Mobile CCTV must go where crime and fear of crime is highest. The important thing is for the council to set aside the cash and for the detail to be based upon the latest Barnet Crime Audit."

The bill will come as welcome news to residents of East Barnet who have been campaigning for mobile cameras to combat problems of graffiti and violent crime.

Andy Widger, a member of the East Barnet Village Residents' Association said: "It's fantastic the council is helping but the problem we have in East Barnet is that crimes only happen so often so we will probably be overlooked."

The bill is due to be debated next Thursday when the council's budget consultation will be launched.

November 27, 2001 17:00

KEVIN BURCHALL