New crime-fighting video cameras costing about $1 million will help reduce criminal activity and violence in central Christchurch, police say.
The 25 cameras were switched on today, almost tripling the coverage of the 13 existing cameras which have already helped police bring criminals to justice.
Last year the cameras helped with almost 80 arrests, located 27 missing people, seven witnesses to a homicide and helped identify and locate the suspect in a stabbing.
Increased surveillance would make the city safer, Canterbury police district commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said.
"For police, the prime focus of using the cameras is to increase public safety.
"During the day, the cameras are used by staff to locate suspicious or criminal activity in the central city, missing persons, breaches of bail and warrants to arrest."
The clarity of the footage from the cameras, which cost Christchurch City Council close to $1 million, was superior to anything seen previously, he said.
