PC Mike Tripp with one of the head cameras officers in Malmesbury will be wearing

ANTI-SOCIAL yobs in Malmes-bury could soon find themselves caught on camera.

Police in the town have been equipped with hi-tech cameras, which fit on their headwear.

Officers in the town are planning to use the devices when patrolling known troublespots so that they can confront yobs with video evidence of bad behaviour.

Neighbourhood policing team manager PC Mike Tripp said: "If people are just going out to enjoy themselves without causing trouble, they have nothing to worry about.

"But if they are going to cause mischief it is going to be recorded and they will be shown what they have done.

"Currently officers find people have difficulty believing what they are accused of even when they sober up.

"I think people will be quite shocked when they see how they behave."

In recent months Malmesbury has been plagued by incidents of late- night violence.

To get on top of the problem licensees in the Oxford Street area have curtailed drinking hours.

But their efforts were not enough and earlier this month a booze-fuelled mass brawl kicked off.

Seven people were hurt and police made a number of arrests.

PC Tripp said: "It is a deterrent but it is also a vital piece of equipment when gathering evidence.

"It has got a very good image and it is very powerful when it comes to picking up sound.

"We used to have people carrying video cameras but everybody can carry these from senior officers to PCSOs."

Police are also involved in talks with traders, licensees and North Wiltshire District Council about measures to curb the amount of anti-social behaviour on the town's streets.

And Malmesbury Town Council has said it will revive plans for a CCTV system covering troubled areas.

The new headgear mounted cameras will also be used by police at other kinds of incidents.

"It is really useful at any kind of incident where evidence gathering is critical," added PC Tripp.

6:20pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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