SECRET surveillance cameras hidden in homes across a burglary-hit area of York are poised to catch intruders on film.

Police officers today revealed a "significant number" of South Bank properties have been fitted with the tiny video spies.

The crime-busting campaign, paid for with a five-figure Home Office grant, is the first of its kind in North Yorkshire and follows the success of a scheme in Hull.

Officers hope it will cut the toll of burglaries in the Micklegate ward, which has seen 140 households hit by thieves since July.

The launch follows yesterday's announcement that Government Ministers will back plans to lock out criminals by installing gates on some alleyways which back South Bank's terraced streets.

PC Dave White, community officer, said: "This is going to be a big talking-point among criminals. We hope to catch some of them red-handed."

Cash from a special Home Office fighting fund has been used to pay for the hidden cameras which will capture images from inside and outside properties. The scheme may soon be expanded to other areas of York.

Crime analysts have identified vulnerable areas and the types of property that attract burglars. Residents were then approached for permission to install the covert infra-red cameras.

A poster campaign has been launched in shops, public buildings and buses to get the message across.

Sergeant Mike Stubbs said: "The systems have been installed and we intend that they will remain in place for some time. They provide a level of surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in South Bank that we could never hope to match using police staff.

"I want every burglar to know that we have these cameras, and I want them to make a decision not to commit that crime."

Jane Mowat, of the Safer York Partnership, said: "It is clear from the experience of other cities that alley-gating will have a considerable impact on crime and antisocial behaviour in an area like South Bank, but it will take time to implement.

"Alley-gating is part of a long-term strategy to make life more difficult for criminals in York and we are keen to support a complementary initiative that can be put into practice in this area now."

Katy Hogg, 23, a student at York College of Law who lives in the South Bank area, was burgled last month. She said: "The benefit of these secret cameras will be good pictures, and if they work it will do the trick."

Updated: 10:31 Tuesday, February 10, 2004