Too much CCTV warns police chief

A senior police officer has warned that the spread of CCTV in Britain could lead to an "Orwellian" society.

Deputy chief constable of Hampshire Ian Readhead said he did not want to live in a country with surveillance on every street corner.

There are reportedly up to 4.2 million CCTV cameras in Britain - about one for every 14 people.

Mr Redhead questioned whether there was justification for the cost of increasing camera surveillance in small towns and villages that have relatively low crime levels.

The Hampshire force covers the small town of Stockbridge, where parish councillors have spent £10,000 installing CCTV.

"I'm really concerned about what happens to the product of these cameras, and what comes next," he said.

"If it's in our villages, are we really moving towards an Orwellian situation where cameras are at every street corner?

"And I really don't think that's the kind of country that I want to live in."

Mr Readhead also called for the use of speed cameras to be reviewed, and more consideration of why DNA was kept.

Supporters of CCTV say it is a crucial tool in deterring crime and catching criminals, and the innocent have nothing to fear.

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