Door staff are given new cameras (From The Northern Echo)

Three pubs and clubs in Bishop Auckland have Vievu cameras

8:54am Saturday 16th October 2010 in News

DOOR staff in a town will use body cameras to make sure revellers stay safe after a donation from police.

Three pubs and clubs in Bishop Auckland have been given the Vievu cameras by the town’s neighbourhood beat team after £3,000 was provided by the force.

The cameras are similar to those used by the beat team’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and are claimed to be nearly indestructible.

They will be used at Innfusion, the Queen’s Head Hotel and Postchaise Hotel, in Bishop Auckland market place.

PC Anne-Marie Gray, who runs licensing operations in the town, said the cameras would be a better replacement for headcams previously used by PCSOs and door staff.

She said the cameras, which switch on when the lens cover is pulled down, are simple to use and would deter troublemakers.

She said: “We want to work with the licensees to make sure people are safe and hopefully these cameras will deter people from committing crime.”

Wayne Allinson, the manager of Innfusion, said the cameras were a precaution rather than a sign that Bishop Auckland suffered problems.

He said: “Our door staff are there to keep our customers safe and anything that deters people from behaving badly is welcome.

“Bishop Auckland is not a dangerous place to come for a night out.”