The tiny cameras, which can cost up to £1,100 each, can be switched on by coppers to record conversations with mischief makers.

But the pricey hi-tech gizmos, capable of recording 400 hours of footage have sparked alarm among some residents who fear that the new surveillance measures are a step too far.

Jack Brunker, 18, from Pound Hill said: "I don't think it's right. It should be voluntary like a stop-and-search. You should be able to say 'no sorry I don't want to be filmed.'

"If you're not doing anything hugely wrong you should be able to do what you like."

And 58-year-old Gatwick worker, Ray Little agreed. He said: "It's an encroachment. You should only be filmed when you want to be filmed and not when they want to film you.

"They're filming innocent people and you don't know what they're going to do with it."

Full story and reaction in this week's Crawley Observer

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