Hackney’s revamped CCTV control centre was unveiled last week with improved equipment to help identify suspects.

The borough’s CCTV has captured many major incidents and events including the 2011 riots, the Olympic Games and torch relay in 2012, and the Amhurst Road building collapse in 2013.

The council said it has one of the most sophisticated CCTV operations in the country and the updated centre has 18 wall screens and 22 computer screens.

It also boasts new command and control systems which give camera operators more direction.

There are also enhanced GPS radio tracking and automatic number plate recognition alarms.

Images from Hackney’s

CCTV cameras – there more than 260 – are monitored by four operators 24 hours a day, all year round.

There are also 13 re-locatable cameras and Hackney’s wardens also wear body cameras

which can be monitored at the centre.

Since opening back in 2003, 174,473 incidents have been caught on camera and CCTV has been used in connection with 27,281 arrests in Hackney, ranging from traffic accidents and suspicious behaviour to robbery and possession of firearms.

CCTV evidence has also proved crucial in murder, rape and kidnap investigations. The CCTV team has also helped find 688 stolen vehicles worth an estimated £4,132,758.

In total, the council has downloaded over 169,687 hours of recordings, many of which have been used as evidence in a variety of cases.

Jules Pipe, Hackney’s Mayor, said: “Hackney’s CCTV team has been making a real difference to the borough for more than 20 years. CCTV plays a vital role in helping the police solve crimes and in bringing perpetrators to justice, it can also help residents feel safer when they are out and about in the borough.”