AFTER years of being blighted with break-ins, thefts and vandalism, Sandford Lane Industrial Estate at Wareham is finally getting CCTV.

It will have a direct link to Winfrith police headquarters.

Brian Venning, who has had an HGV driving school ever since the estate opened in 1969, said: "Crime has always been a problem round here. There have always been a lot of break-ins, so it's great news that we've finally got this camera."

Mr Venning has lost 1,200 litres of fuel to thieves in the past decade. He even came in once to find all the tyres had been loosened on his lorries.

Another business, Dorset Plumbing Services, says it has had to turn its premises into "Fort Knox" after ram-raiders broke down its doors last year.

At nearby MG White Garage Services, owner Susan White said: "We've had diesel stolen, vehicles broken into and windows smashed."

Wareham council has paid for the camera, but had to leave the £1,500 cost of putting it up to the businesses.

Mr Venning says they have been so generous that there is enough to cover maintenance to 2009, but he is still waiting for contributions to arrive.

Outstanding donations can be sent to Wareham Town Council, East Street, Wareham, BH20 4NS.