CLOSED-CIRCUIT television cameras in Richmond are being hailed a huge success after the latest figures show there has been a reduction in crime in the town.

Statistics for the year 1999 to 2000, which was the first full year of operation for the 11 CCTV cameras, reveal that there were 100 fewer incidents of crime than from 1997 to 1998.

The figures also show a sharp drop in burglary, car crime, criminal damage and theft, compared with the previous two years.

Burglary dropped from 121 incidents in 1998/1999 to 52 in 1999/2000, car crime has fallen from 113 to 70 since CCTV was installed, and the number of thefts has reduced from 164 to 67.

The cameras have also helped achieve higher rates of detection and conviction for assaults and related public order offences.

Assaults in the town are up from 74 in 1998/1999 to 93 this year.

The police claim the increase is partly due to the fact that public order offences were not criminalised until 1998.

The CCTV cameras are linked to a control room at the town's police station, and the scheme is managed through a partnership between Richmondshire District Council, Richmond Town Council and North Yorkshire Police.

Lynn Miller, chairman of Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, said: "This is a very encouraging start for CCTV in Richmond. Along with the work of the police and courts, it is improving safety in the town.''