Thousands of pounds will be spent revamping CCTV in Oxfordshire towns which the authority responsible describes as a "capable guardian".
West Oxfordshire District councillors gave the go ahead for the £255,635 enhancement towards high definition digital cameras in Witney and Carterton as well as the addition of five more cameras in Chipping Norton at an executive meeting on Wednesday (June 12) afternoon.
Of the existing devices, there are 23 in Witney town centre, 25 in Marriotts Walk shopping centre, 11 at the Woolgate Centre and four in Carterton.
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Speaking out at the meeting, Councillor Geoff Saul said: "We've undertaken a review of all the cameras and their optimisation.
"There is also a proposed extension of the coverage to Chipping Norton with five additional cameras."
Plans will see a move towards a "shared Oxfordshire hub control room" to "improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the monitoring" and transfer ownership to Thames Valley Police.
Mr Saul described the move as "very positive" contributing to a "more effective and comprehensive service" and "some good news all ways round".
A meeting paper said: "The use of a CCTV system to help meet this duty (preventing crime) includes detection, deterrence, self-discipline – by potential victims and potential offenders, and acting as a capable guardian."
Councillor Michele Mead questioned when the trial would start but the answer provided by an officer was unclear.
The motion was seconded by Councillor Andy Graham and agreed upon by the executive.
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