CRIMINALS operating on four troubled borough estates have been warned 'we are watching you'.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will install 131 state-of-the-art CCTV cameras on Bayonne Estate and Lampeter Square, White City Estate and Batman Close and Becklow Gardens in May as part of a £1m council project.

Cameras will also be installed at the William Church Estate in May and will be funded by Westfield Shopping Centre as part of a deal struck by the council when the retail giant was granted permission to build in White City.

The project aims to improve the borough's existing network of cameras and improve their links to the central control room at Hammersmith Town Hall which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

The news has been welcomed by Harry Audley, chairman of White City Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association, who said they will be a vital component in reducing crime.

He said: "We have been asking for these cameras for some time so we are pleased with this decision.

"While there is an awareness about privacy issues, we have been involved in discussions about the siting of cameras so they do not infringe on privacy but, at the same time, focus in on areas of most concern.

"There have been a number of theft incidents on the estate and also flytipping problems so this is certainly good news."

Fulham Court, Edward Woods, Clem Attlee and West Kensington Estates have already seen new CCTV cameras installed.

Councillor Greg Smith, H&F Council cabinet member for residents' services, said: "Cutting crime is this council's number one priority and extending this CCTV scheme will increase the chances that criminals will be caught and brought to justice.

"Cameras also act as a deterrent and in some cases will make criminals think twice about committing an offence. The message to criminals is even when you think no-one is around, we are watching you."

Do you live on one of the estates about to see CCTV cameras installed? Is it a good thing or do you feel it breaches your privacy? Call Greg Burns on 07795 800083 or email gregburns@trinitysouth.co.uk.