ROUND-THE-CLOCK video surveillance in Darlington's car parks has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the level of crime.
According to figures published by police this week, only eight incidents occurred throughout the whole of last year compared to a dozen the previous year.
The CCTV surveillance system is provided by Darlington Borough Council and incorporates 130 cameras. It has been expanded to provide services for the Wear Valley and Darlington Railway Station.
The authority first introduced the system, which is linked to a central control room, in 1994 and more than £1.5m has been invested since then.
The scheme's success has won both local and national plaudits.
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