WHILE all eyes were on teen heartthrob Justin Timberlake during his recent visit to Newcastle, a new security system was keeping potential troublemakers in the frame.

Integrated Electronic Security, based in Darlington, devised the system, which has given the Telewest Arena a new weapon in the fight against crime.

The 11,000-seat venue had suffered a spate of damage and petty theft.

Criminals were oblivious to traditional pan-and-tilt cameras monitoring the surrounding area.

But now high quality images can be captured from a combination of camera domes and fixed units which allow a clear, 360-degree view of the arena.

The picture quality is greatly improved through the use of digital technology and camera images are accessible from a range of areas via computer rather than just a single control centre.

Jim Duncanson, security executive for SMG Europe, owners and managers of the Telewest Arena, said: "Going digital has improved our security system beyond our expectations.

"Being able to view incidents from one of the PCs around the arena, rather than simply from the control room, means that any one of the security personnel can view what is happening from wherever they are on site and take instant remedial action."