TRADERS in Blackburn have been told to make sure store CCTV cameras are in good working order in case police need to look at film from them.

Police in London have used store cameras recently to arrest a man linked with the three nail bombings in the capital, and also in an attempt to solve the murder of television presenter Jill Dando.

The high-profile use of CCTV footage has prompted Rita Wakeley, of Blackburn Chamber of Trade, to ask shopkeepers to take good care of their CCTV networks so that if anything untoward happens there is the best possible chance of it being caught on camera.

She said: "It is crucial that retailers make sure camera lenses are clean so that any image which is picked up is clear.

"It is also important that shops remember to change camera cassettes once every 28 days.

"We would also advise when shops close, that cameras should be trained on to doors so that if anything happens outside, such as a package being left, it will appear on screen.

"These cameras provide an excellent deterrent to criminals and are good at providing some protection for an employers most valuable asset - his or her employees.

"They can also be very useful to the police and that should be remembered."

Insp Steve Sansbury, of Blackburn Police, said: "The help we receive from CCTV cameras which belong to traders is very much appreciated and valuable to our work.

"There is no doubt that CCTV has had a very significant impact on crime levels in the town centre and with the continued assistance of traders we hope this will continue to be the case."

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