A TOWN'S £172,000 CCTV cameras were switched on today.

Crooks and vandals are being warned they will have no place to hide.

All the main shopping streets of Brighouse are covered by the hi-tech system.

Local councillor Paul Rogan said: "In a way, I am looking forward to the first prosecution because that will demonstrate that it has the sharp teeth that we intend it to have."

Eight cameras will transmit digital images to a control centre in Halifax.

The long-awaited system has been paid for by Calderdale Council.

Cameras covering the Huddersfield Road area between the Birds Royd Lane and Bradford Road junctions will also be linked to the Leeds traffic control centre to help with the operation of traffic signals.

There is also provision within the system for automatic number plate recognition to be added in the future.

This reads number plates and alerts the police to people who are known to have committed crimes.

Sgt Andy Wilkinson, from Brighouse police, said: "I see this as a very positive move towards making Brighouse town centre a safer place for people to both shop in and visit for leisure purposes.

"The cameras will act as a deterrent to thieves and those who indulge in late night violence."

Brighouse is the last of the major towns in Calderdale to get CCTV.

Brighouse councillor Colin Stout said: "The cameras are another plate in our armour to combat anti-social behaviour and anti-social drinking.

"We hope that their presence will reassure local residents, shoppers, businesses and those people who want to have a safe-trouble free night out in the town."