CCTV cameras in Kirklees led directly to hundreds of arrests over the last year.
Operators have guided police to challenge and detain more than 400 suspects after tracking them on cameras through Dewsbury and Huddersfield town centres.
One of the major incidents caught on CCTV cameras happened one lunchtime in January, when suspected armed men were arrested outside the HSBC on Cloth Hall Street in Huddersfield town centre.
Armed police detained seven men.
All were later released on police bail pending further inquiries.
CCTV cameras across Kirklees have recorded 5,000 incidents in just 12 months.
These have included robberies, burglaries, shoplifting, purse-dipping gangs and criminal damage.
People have also been caught on camera carrying out nasty attacks and operators have seen at least one ram raid unfold.
Kirklees Police's community safety chief, Inspector, Nick Harvey, said: "These excellent results demonstrate how effective CCTV is for protecting the public, promoting community safety and tackling crime."
There are a total of 150 cameras in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Batley, paid for by Kirklees Council.
Also, a mobile CCTV unit is used to help Neighbourhood Policing Teams tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in residential areas.
Insp Harvey added: "With the mobile unit we can take CCTV to crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots and tackle problems head-on.
"The mobile unit also helps us to gather intelligence and evidence and works as a deterrent and preventative measure."
Clr Andrew Marchington, chairman of Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership, said: "This is an excellent example of partnership working. It sends a clear warning to criminals that they are being watched."
