AN MP is calling for a CCTV camera to be covered up to prevent criminals from knowing if they are being watched.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope wants a dome installed over a camera on top of a pole in Clayton-le-Moors.

The solitary camera is used to monitor Barnes Square and Pickup Street and is controlled by staff at Accrington Police Station.

While police officers say the presence of CCTV cameras has had a positive effect on reducing crime, residents and shopkeepers claim troublemakers have got wise to the camera -- and committed crimes while it is pointing the other way.

Now Mr Pope has called for a dome which would hide it from view so criminals would not know if they are being watched.

Trader Denise Chadwick is backing the campaign and said: "The camera has done no good at all. We have had our windows broken and our shops have been broken into, particularly the Indian takeaway.

"We need help to combat this."

Mr Pope added: "CCTV cameras are a boost in the crime fight.

"But a dome would make the camera much more effective and should see a reduction in the amount of damage caused to properties in the area."

Dome cameras are used elsewhere in the country and are particularly common in big stores as a deterrent to shoplifting.

Inspector Steven Lee, from Great Harwood Police, is backing the idea.

He said: "The camera, if covered, would help us catch people in the act and help cut crime."

The issue was raised at a meeting of the Clayton-le-Moors Area Council. A spokesman said: "We are looking into the cost of the project and what we can do.

"We think it would cost £3,000, but is something which concerns people."