Security cameras can play a crucial role in the battle against crime

MICHEAL BRENNAN’s report on the threats to privacy posed by CCTV cameras (Irish Examiner, Nov 26) quoted civil liberties groups warning that the introduction of closed circuit television schemes may lead to a Big Brother state.

I welcome the provision of CCTV because I believe that it will lead to a reduction in crime.

CCTV will not lead to a Big Brother state, but will help protect all citizens equally from the scourge of crime. I regret that CCTV was not available where I parked my car on a recent Saturday night. Like any responsible citizen I left it overnight and took a taxi home.

I was dismayed to discover next morning that a person or persons unknown had broken the rear window wiper arm, in the process damaging the wiper-motor beyond repair, and also denting the boot door.

All this when the car was parked directly under bright streetlights (your report quoted research carried out by the British Home Office suggesting that improved street lighting is four times more effective in cutting crime).

CCTV the sooner, the better for all citizens.

Niall O'Keeffe,

Finisk,

Rivervalley,

Mallow,

Co Cork.