‘Talking’ CCTV systems are to be introduced in four further towns in Caerphilly County Borough after a successful trial in Blackwood.
The security system allows CCTV operators to tell people off who may be behaving antisocially.
Following Blackwood High Street’s three cameras, Bargoed and Newbridge now have them and more are planned for Caerphilly and Risca.
Councillor Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for the environment, said: “We have been pleased with how the pilot talking camera scheme in Blackwood town centre has been received by local residents and businesses.
“Following on from this success we were keen for other local towns throughout the borough to benefit from the scheme also.
“The talking cameras allow our CCTV operators to intervene and help prevent low level crime and antisocial behaviour, by letting offenders know that their behaviour has been spotted, is being recorded and depending on the circumstances that the police may be called.
“In many cases, this has proven to be enough to stop the offending behaviour altogether, which in turn helps us in our quest for even tidier and safer streets.”
In Blackwood CCTV operators have used the system to warn people not to urinate in public and in one instance warned a gang of men to stop behaving aggressively.
Council officials are keen to stress the systems are used for law enforcement purposes only but critics argue they are an ever present symptom of an increasingly “Big Brother” society.
For more information about CCTV visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/saferccb