POLICE have unveiled a new weapon in the fight against antisocial behaviour on Bournemouth's streets.

Officers will now be using tiny cameras, commonly known as "headcams" to record anyone engaging in such behaviour in the town centre.

The cameras, which can be operated by police officers and police community support officers, are designed to be worn under uniform headgear with a small camera lens visible over the left ear.

Police in Bournemouth decided to start using the equipment after successful trials in other parts of the country found that, not only did the cameras help record evidence of antisocial behaviour, but individuals also moderated their behaviour when they realised they were being recorded.

CCTV co-ordinator Martyn Webster, of Bournemouth Police, said: "Headcams are a recent technological innovation.

"They produce an excellent picture and audio quality that is good enough to be used in court proceedings."Recording will only start when officers are summoned to, or become aware of an incident, and the wearer will inform anyone being spoken to of the fact that they are being recorded.

"I can reassure the public that we will not be engaging in random covert filming."