Hamilton-Police crime-fighting initiative takes hold.

According to the Corporation, Hamilton Mayor the Rt. Wor. William Boyle has consulted with Police Commissioner Colin Coxall about the use of surveillance cameras in the new Bulls Head carpark, at the Hamilton docks and even on the streets of the capital.

Their installation, which would follow on the heels of the increased Police presence that Mr. Coxall has overseen in Hamilton since he arrived from England in April, would be used to reduce crime and cycle thefts, the Mayor said in a statement yesterday.

"There is no doubt that modern technology helps to reduce crime and that video cameras help the Police to monitor areas with crime problems,'' Mr.

Boyle said.

"I was impressed (during a recent visit to the City of London) because the cameras are in full view and no attempt is made to conceal them. They act as both a deterrent to crime and as an aid to the Police if someone commits a crime. The picture quality was excellent and they would certainly provide very strong evidence in court.'' Mr. Boyle's visit to the City of London, where Mr. Coxall served before he arrived in Bermuda, was arranged by the Commissioner, whom the Mayor said has taken a "keen interest'' in Hamilton's crime problems since assuming his new post.

As a result, the Mayor noted, the handbag snatchings in problem areas like Front Street and Pitts Bay Road and the store and office break-ins that were plaguing the City last summer have been "significantly'' reduced.

Any further increase in the number of Hamilton foot patrols, however, will depend on the acceptance of the Commissioner's "proposed civilianisation'' of the Service, he said.

Last night, Mr. Boyle said it was too early to comment on the cost or potential situation of video cameras in Hamilton.