MORE law-breakers are being caught on CCTV cameras according to Bromsgrove District Council, despite calls for the operating team to be more vigilant.

The council claims that 1,600 separate incidents were logged by the District CCTV Surveillance Team from the beginning of April to the end of September this year.

There were also 76 arrests made as a result of support or evidence found on film, and over 90 cameras are based in Bromsgrove and surrounding areas.

But Councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) insists the council needs to be more vigilant after graffiti began to re-appear in a subway in Rubery.

"I am very concerned about the graffiti in the subway between Callowbrook Lane and New Road," he said.

"But I have also made an enquiry as to why Bromsgrove District Council aren't catching the culprits on CCTV.

"CCTV costs a considerable amount of money, but the district council is failing to pick up the culprits.

"They need to be more vigilant."

The council's Head of Culture and Community Services, Robbie Hazlehurst, said, however, that the cameras have made the district a safer place to be.

"We work very closely with West Mercia Police, Central Trains, Bromsgrove Town Centre pub and shop watch, and Rubery's shop watch, to give our residents and everyone who works and visits the district the peace of mind they deserve."

Cabinet member for Community Safety, Councillor June Griffiths, also praised Bromsgrove's CCTV team, calling them "unsung heroes".

"Their vigilance and professional skills make this system a strong deterrent to those wishing to get involved in anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder," she added.