CRIMINALS could soon be watched even more closely as Hartlepool Borough councillors move to increase CCTV coverage in the town.

There are 33 closed circuit cameras watching crime hot spots throughout the town, but the system is not always monitored.

That means that although the police are free to view tapes recorded by the cameras, for evidence when a crime is reported, many minor offences may go undetected.

The council is now looking for the money to increase the number of people employed to watch the live monitors.

It is hoped 24-hour monitoring of the cameras will lead to a fall in car crime and other smaller thefts.

Councillors have agreed to refer the matter to the authority's strategy board, to try to find funds to use the existing cameras more effectively.