circuit camera system (CCTV) but said the real benefit of the technology was in its deterrent effect.

The suspect was spotted in the City Hall car park last week allegedly committing the offence. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt said the cameras, which came on line last summer, had made a huge impact.

He said: "We used to get three to four bike thefts a day from our immediate area but there haven't been anything like that these days.

"Anyone committing a crime in the city centre runs the risk of being identified and in the long term we hope this will act as a deterrent. We are very pleased to hear that it appears somebody has been caught red-handed.'' National Traffic Coordinator Chief Inspector Roger Kendall said: "The prevention aspect of the cameras has been evident in the reduction of the number of cycles stolen over the last few months.

He said: "This is hopefully the first step in a very successful campaign.'' CCTV operator P.c. Ervin Hendrickson said offenders nabbed on film have included beggars, public drinkers, drunk drivers and people breaking and entering vehicles.

He added: "We've had a GBH (assault causing grievous bodily harm) but I don't think we've had any drug related offences.

"There have been a number of arrests through some CCTV. Some have been through court and been convicted.'' But he said it was only since January that the camera's maximum benefit was gained.

He said: "It takes time to learn the system.'' Manned by a team 13 reserves and three full-time officers, the cameras are linked to the communications room at Police Headquarters.

P.c. Hendrickson said: "You often find CCTV is, in effect, the first officer to the scene. An incident comes up and you can assess the situation prior to the first units arriving.

"Often we get these calls saying there's been a big disturbance but it's not.

Rather than send three or four cars to deal with it you have the camera go in, patrol the area and then just send one unit in, just in case somebody is lurking off camera. And if an officer is dealing with something you automatically try to get them on camera so if the subject they are dealing with becomes aggressive you can send in back-up.'' A first: Cycle Crime Sgt. Merwyn Greenidge at City Hall car park where CCTV caught a thief.