Islanders have welcomed greater CCTV coverage in Hamilton as a necessary tactic in the fight against crime.

Residents say more cameras will be a deterrent rather than a 'Big Brother'-style invasion of privacy, and have applauded the move.

The Corporation of Hamilton announced $550,000 towards 86 new CCTV cameras in its 2010 Budget meeting last week. This brings the total to 122 surveillance cameras in an area of less than one square mile.

The Bermuda Police Service is to decide on the locations for the new cameras, which it will monitor at its Prospect headquarters in partnership with a private security company.

It is however thought that coverage will be beefed up in North Hamilton and Front Street.

Diane Gordon, executive vice president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, agreed that North Hamilton should be treated as a priority.

"The Chamber is in full support of additional coverage being recommended by the Corporation of Hamilton, and anything else that will aid with crime and safety, not only in the City of Hamilton but Island-wide," said Mrs. Gordon yesterday.

"In the city, bars and nightclubs are a natural consideration, and North Hamilton must be one of the first areas to be afforded the additional cameras. North Hamilton has been promised this many times and is definitely in need of support."

She added: "I will say however, that unless the CCTV is supported by trained policing, and there is a swift response where and when necessary, the additional coverage will be considered useless."

On the streets of Hamilton, shoppers and workers welcomed the news of additional CCTV funding.

Brenda Rhoda, 67, of Paget, said: "I'd like to see more cameras, as I don't think we have enough. We need them in Reid Street as there's always something going on in that area."

Steve Benble, 47, a pipe-fitter from Devonshire, said: "Crime seems to be going up, so this is security. I'd like to see more downtown, such as in Front Street and Church Street, and also around the public parks.

"I don't think of this as 'Big Brother', it will help to deter crime."

Michael Dyer, 26, a technical installer from Sandys, said: "Ultimately this means better security and people will feel safer. Also, it puts less pressure on the individual to provide evidence, as a witness.

"Some people will think this is a bit 'Big Brother', but if it ever comes to a situation in which they are involved themselves, they will appreciate the cameras being there."

Jennita DeShields, 30, an accountant from Devonshire, said: "This should help in the fight against crime, particularly because of what's happening right now.

"I would feel safer with more cameras the more cameras, the better.

"But I'd also like to see them in neighbourhoods where the Police know certain things happen, wherever there is a trouble spot."

Viviane Idanan, 29, an accountant of Devonshire, said: "As long as people have privacy, I don't see any problem with it. I think it's for our own good. It's better to be protective rather than being lenient."

Matt Lewis, 21, a truck driver from Hamilton Parish, said: "It's a good thing. It's actually probably better that they install more cameras because there will be a lot less crime. People will be worried about getting caught."

Last week Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley told this newspaper he wanted to see Government set aside funding for additional cameras outside of the city.

The Royal Gazette asked Public Safety Minister David Burch and Finance Minister Paula Cox whether Government is considering funding in the 2010-11 Budget for CCTV and mobile cameras in trouble spots outside of Hamilton.

Both Ministers declined to comment.