CCTV camera operators at Boston Borough Council have helped the police to make more than 700 arrests in the past 12 months it has been revealed.

Released by the council on Friday the statistics show that from the November 1, 2008 through to October 31 this year evidence from the 65 camera network has helped police to arrest and prosecute offenders in 709 cases.

These included thefts from shops, burglaries, drunk and disorderly behaviour, public order incidents and road traffic accidents.

CCTV supervisor Gilly Gilbert told the Target: "The figures show that CCTV is helping to make a real difference to people's safety in the town.

"By having the cameras operating and staffed it allows the council to quickly contact the police when crimes are spotted."

Boston's top police officer Insp Phil Clark hailed the effectiveness of the town's CCTV claiming it had preventative as well as detection benefits.

He explained: "The use of CCTV certainly has brought significant benefits to Boston not just in detecting offences but also in deterring would-be offenders.

"The number of arrests as a result of excellent work by CCTV operators is good news for Boston and we hope it sends a strong message to anyone thinking of committing an offence.

"If you carry out any unlawful activity your actions will be captured by operators in the CCTV suite, who in turn are in direct communication with officers on the ground.

"If you're not arrested at the time of the offence we will find you with help from the local media and the wider community, who are very supportive and work with us."