Copcams launch at Eastgate (From Echo)

Copcams launch at Eastgate

7:00am Friday 23rd May 2008 in

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BASILDON'S criminals will now be caught on camera as cops wearing headcameras hit the beat.

Officers from Basildon police's town policing unit have officially gone live with the Robocams which will be used to film crimes in progress, chases and arrests. They have been given three of the £1,000 cameras, funded by Basildon Market and the Eastgate Centre.

Security staff at the Eastgate Centre have also been given a camera to use while patroling the shopping centre.

Basildon MP Angela Smith joined Basildon Chief Insp Mark Wheeler and Supt Steve Worron and Eastgate's general manager Hans Wustefeld at the official launch of the cameras at the shopping centre.

Chief Insp Wheeler said the gadgets should cut court time by improving the evidence needed to secure convictions.

He added: "These cameras will also make it easier for victims of crime. They won't need to be called as witnesses and will also have the confidence that cases will make it to court because of the evidence the cameras will capture."