Big Brother-style cameras are going up across the borough in a bid to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

Two wireless, bullet-proof CCTV cameras will be installed in various crime hot spots after the local authority shelled out £50,000 on the new hi-tech equipment.

The devices are mobile and have the ability to be located on any street light, wall or vehicle in or around trouble areas.

Councillor Hayley Matthews, responsible for community safety, said: "By using modern technological equipment, we can tackle crime much quicker and easier and at any location, no matter how remote."

Last month, the Observer reported how Brent Council has secretly tracked more than 300 residents without their knowledge using existing CCTV equipment, but town hall officials have been quick to assure people that the new cameras will only be used to combat crime.

Councillor Matthews added: "The cameras are aimed at tackling problems in wards which local people have identified. It may be young people congregating and intimidating residents, graffiti hot spots or drug dealing.

"Crime in Brent is down by 20 per cent, and through plans like this we're pushing for greater reductions this year."

He added: "We are determined to make this borough cleaner, greener and safer."

Eleven wards in Brent have combined part of their anual £20,000 neighbourhood working fund to pay for the new equipment, which will be moved around the borough depending on which areas are deemed to be having crime problems.