CCTV has helped police tackle dozens of crimes across Otley and Yeadon.

A report to councillors shows that cameras in both town centres have provided evidence that led to 13 arrests at the scene of a crime over the past year.

The CCTV footage has also enabled the police to get enough evidence to make further arrests in connection with 67 other offences.

On the back of that performance the North West (Outer) Area Committee is set to approve spending £11,863 for Otley and £6,442 for Yeadon to further support CCTV in the area.

The money for the coming year will allow mobile CCTV to be taken to different areas of concern in the wards, and be used by neighbourhood policing teams working with resident groups.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said: “The figures show that the few people who commit crimes in Otley and Yeadon are being caught. CCTV not only helps to reduce crime but also the fear of crime. “ The mobile CCTV will gather evidence of criminal and anti social behaviour in “hot spot” areas not covered by the town centre cameras.

Otley’s CCTV cameras recently helped police track down a 16-year- old youth who admitted damaging the Orchard Gate disabled toilets in August, only weeks after the facilities had received a £25,000 refurbishment.

The damage to the disabled section’s electronic door lock cost £500 to repair.