A RECORD number of people were arrested last year after being caught committing crimes on CCTV cameras.

Figures released this week showed 803 people were taken into custody as a result of being seen on camera, a jump from 661 the previous year.

Simon Werner, who chairs the crime and disorder forum, said the figures sent a clear message to people that if they committed crimes near CCTV cameras they were likely to be caught.

He said: "In conjunction with the community radio network, the cameras prove

time and time again that they are a significant weapon against crime and disorder on our streets."

There are now also over 100 community radios in use around Windsor.

The radios are used by shops and businesses to communicate with each other. They allow businesses to stay in contact easily and let them give details of suspected shoplifters to other stores.

The borough's CCTV control room recorded over 3,500 incidents last year and arrests covered a range of offences, including robbery, burglary and serious assaults.

CCTV monitoring was first introduced in 1996 and now the council monitors a total of 170 cameras in the borough and on behalf of neighbouring Bracknell Forest.

Ken Amery, control room services manager, said: "Much of the scheme's success is down to the growth of the community radio system in Windsor and Maidenhead town centres. It keeps everyone in touch and enables fast communication when there is something suspicious or a crime being committed. CCTV operators can be alerted and follow suspects on camera so that the police can be guided to their location."