A NEW generation of spy cameras will help police fight yobs.

The cameras transmit live images to laptops, giving officers up-to-the-minute views of areas.

Officers in Gateshead will be the first to try the 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 the devices would reduce anti-social behaviour.

He said: "Some people are living under a cloak of fear.

"There are some families who are intimidating others and so people will not 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."