CCTV cameras have been proving their worth in Wallingford and Didcot by catching drug dealers in the act.

In a report to the town councils, Hilary Green, community safety officer with South Oxfordshire District Council, detailed the operations of cameras there, as well as in Thame and Henley.

She said: "It shows how CCTV cameras are being used in contributing to deterring crime, reducing the fear of crime and increasing crime detection."

In Wallingford, operators spotted two people suspected of drug dealing in the town centre and one was arrested.

In another incident, the operator heard on the police radio about very loud music coming from the Waitrose car park. He also saw a youth with a police-style extendable baton and the youth was arrested for possessing an offensive weapon.

On another occasion, the operator spotted a large group of youths in the town centre, one suspected of drug dealing. The group dispersed before police arrived but the operator later recognised and reported him again and he was arrested and found to have drugs on him.

In Didcot, the operator was monitoring the police radio and heard a report of a couple fighting by the new cinema. He monitored the area, kept the pair in view and an arrest was made. In another, a drunk was being very abusive and intimidating passers-by and children. He was drinking from a bottle of vodka. Police were directed to him and he was removed from the town centre.