CRIMINALS will find it harder to escape detection after Basildon Cou-ncil secured funding to launch 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

The 64 CCTV cameras across Basildon, Billericay and Wickford, will now be viewed around-the-clock thanks to a £200,000 hand-out from the Government.

At the moment, the cameras are only watched by security staff for ten hours a day, although they can record around-the-clock footage.

Now there will always be someone watching the cameras, who can alert police immediately in the event of a crime.

Malcolm Buckley, leader of Basildon Council, welcomed the announcement and said he hoped it would drive down crime and antisocial behaviour in the district.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding, which is a huge boost for the security of our town centres.

“This extra funding will allow more trained operators to keep a around-the-clock watch on the images being recorded.

“We hope this acts as a greater deterrent to criminals and makes the district a safer place for both residents and businesses.”

The CCTV network covers Basildon, Billericay and Wickford town centres. Cameras are also located at Royal Court, Laindon, Bro-oke House Basildon, and Lake Meadows Park, Bill-ericay.

Tony Ball, deputy council leader, added: “Our operators will be able to report any incidents to the police as they occur, which will hopefully lead to an increase in the conviction rate.”

The move has also been welcomed by police who use images and footage captured from CCTV to convict crooks.

Chief Insp Simon Dob-inson, of Basildon police, said: “We consider this a significant step forward.

“It shows Basildon is leading the field in reducing crime and making the public feel even safer.”

The cameras are expected to be monitored 24-hours a day from next April.

But Mr Buckley warned criminals not to bother committing crime in the meantime.

He said: “In the intervening period people shouldn’t think they can get away with anything because the chances are they are being recorded.”