A new generation of spy cameras will help the police fight yobs.

The hi-tech spy cameras transmit live images direct to lap-tops and palm pilots giving beat officers up-to-the-minute views of their neighbourhood.

They are the latest weapon in the fight against anti-social behaviour and youth disorder and will be used in trouble hotspots.

Officers in Gateshead will be the first to try out the new devices, and if the pilot is successful, the technology could be shared by the rest of the Northumbria Police area.

Gateshead Community Inspector Kevin Rigg said he was confident the new devices would help reduce anti-social behaviour in the town.

"Some people are living under a cloak of fear," he said. "There are some families who are intimidating others and so people won't come forward because of what might happen to them.

"With these cameras, we should be able to increase the number of convictions but reduce the need for witnesses. The camera footage will provide irrefutable evidence."

He added: "Some other forces are using this equipment but we'll be using it in a more unique way.

"We'll be mobile, and we will be able to direct it into issues which really affect the people of Gateshead."

The cameras will be placed in the normal way on housing estates and high streets, and a special aerial will beam images to handheld computers.

Two sets of equipment - at £9,000 a piece - will be installed over coming weeks.

Insp. Rigg said: "Three cameras would do the same work as six officers.

"The systems may cost £9,000 a go but that's compared to the £40,000 a year it would cost to hire and train a new officer.

"We're only a small team, so it makes economic and policing sense."

North Felling Community Beat Officer Andy Bond, who will be using the laptop equipment, said: "The cost effectiveness of the system will be tremendous."