NEW crime-fighting cameras in Bedale are already proving their worth, according to police.

The £90,000 system, involving three cameras and installed by Hambleton District Council, brings the total number of cameras covering the district to 49.

Those operating in Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley have already helped police in more than 280 arrests over the last 18 months. Operators at the district council headquarters in Northallerton have also provided 367 tapes of incidents that have been used as evidence in court and for interviews.

Police said one of the first successes of the Bedale system was to produce evidence that people under 18 were in possession of alcohol.

Coun Frances Greenwell, Hambleton cabinet member for safety, said: ''Bedale's long-awaited cameras cover the high street and the main off-street parking area in the town.

''In the past, these areas have been the subject of incidents of both anti-social behaviour and public order offences as well as boy racers.

''We hope the cameras will help to put a stop to that and be as successful as the cameras covering the other three market towns.'' One camera covers the market place, another surveys North End and the third monitors Bridge Street car park, where public toilets have been the subject of vandalism.

Cameras in Bedale were supported by the town council, the chamber of trade and tourism and police, but their introduction was delayed because the district council was forced to revise its budgets after its council tax rise was capped by the Government in 2005.

Town mayor Coun Malcolm Young said: ''We fought long and hard to get cameras and I am delighted they are working. Cameras are not the be all and end all but they will be of tremendous value in helping police to tackle anti-social behaviour and under age drinking.

''We could have done with one or two more, including one covering the auction mart car park, but I would not want a camera on every street corner because they would intrude into people's lives and we don't want to spoil the character of the town. These three fit in very well.''