YEP Says: Better CCTV will mean our Leeds is a much safer place

The truth is that surveillance has made our streets safer at all hours of the day. CCTV prevents crime and it keeps burglars on their toes, too.

So the fact that a network of CCTV cameras used to tackle crime and disorder in communities across Leeds is to be fully digitised as part of a major system upgrade.

Officials had planned on modernising the CCTV network when the existing contract ends in April 2018, but now councillors are being asked to consider delaying the work until the end of next year.

Delaying means that the new contract can be tied in with a wider full fibre broadband project for the whole city and all council buildings.

It is hoped this will offer the chance to secure better quality images and bring an end to the technical inconsistencies.

That is terrific news. And the only people who should be wary of this planned development are those who plan to cause crime and trouble among our communities.

We look forward to CCTV playing an even great role in protecting people and property across the city.