Break and enters along Baylis Street dropped by almost two thirds after CCTV was installed, according to council’s report, as did car theft. Malicious damage almost halved and the number of assaults dropped by about 20 per cent.

Wayne Deaner from Wagga Neighbourhood Watch said the results showed the technology had proven its worth and called for more cameras in “crime corridors”.

“We need more of it along Red Hill Road, Fernleigh Road and a couple of spots in Kooringal… the problem areas,” Mr Deaner said.

“They make it harder for criminals, but we’d also like to see more of it and extra lighting to make people feel safe. It doesn’t stop the crime but it makes for a very good deterrent.”

Inspector Peter Robertson from Wagga police said while it was impossible to assess exactly how much crime had been prevented, anything that helped contribute to public safety was really good.

“The cameras have been exceptionally good for us as an investigative tool,” Inspector Robertson said.

“Especially late at night and on the weekends, we can monitor what’s going on around licensed premises and relay that to the police attending an incident.

“It’s also very useful as evidence in court, once someone sees the CCTV they enter a guilty plea because they’ve been caught red-handed.”

Mr Deaner said anyone with private security cameras could help by registering them with police.