EIGHT new top-of-the-range CCTV cameras will be installed in Bournemouth in a bid to stop criminal behaviour.

The cameras, which have pan, tilt and zoom technology, will be in position in Boscombe, Pokesdown and Southbourne Grove by April.

BCP Council has received funding for the cameras from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset following a successful bid to the Home Office's Safer Street Fund.

Five of the cameras will be positioned in Christchurch Road at its junctions with Drummond Road, Palmerston Road, Warwick Road, Seabourne Road and Parkwood Road.

Three will be in Southbourne Grove at the junctions of Wentworth Avenue, Chestnut Avenue and Grand Avenue.

Now the council has urged anyone with concerns about the cameras to contact them.

In a letter to residents and business owners, the council's CCTV manager Tony Gleason said the areas have been affected by "acquisitive crime."

He added: "After working closely with officers from Dorset Police’s local Neighbouring Policing Team and analysing crime data, we identified areas which could benefit from additional crime prevention measures.

"This included installing additional CCTV infrastructure which will be managed by BCP Council’s Community Safety Team. Following a consultation period our wish is to install new cameras by April 2021."

The cameras will be used to monitor and observe behaviour taking place in areas with public access and will not be used for private areas. Trained operating staff will use the equipment and comply with the GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 and the guidance provided by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner and Information Commissioner.

This new CCTV cameras is capable of Pan, Tilt and Zoom functionality (PTZ) and will be recording in high definition quality, 24 hours a day/365 day of the year.

Mr Gleason added: "We are keen ensure that individuals and businesses can discuss any concerns they may have, where we as an authority, install any new CCTV asset.

"If, after you have read the relevant sections within our Code of Practice, you have any additional concerns regarding Privacy or Data Protection, you are invited to write or email our CCTV Manager.

The aims of CCTV are to help detect crime by providing evidence in criminal proceedings and prevent and reduce crime, public disorder and anti-social behaviour.

They also help the police track and capture people suspected of committing crime, help to identify witnesses and improve traffic management in the town.