Council spies on people to tackle crime

The council has admitted using concealed cameras and noise recording machines to gather 'crucial evidence'.

The Big Brother-style techniques have helped fight crimes such as fly tipping, graffiti and noise nuisance.

Trevor Scott, head of democratic and legal services, said phones and emails were not bugged.

He said: 'The council uses directed surveillance as an additional investigative tool to tackle crimes which impact upon the lives of many across the district.

'Within a large rural area such as Wealden, it is increasingly difficult to catch those who seek to blight our rural landscapes, towns and villages through anti-social crimes.'

Spying powers used by the council come from The Regulation of Investigation Powers Act 2000.

The legislation 'provides a method' for making sure direct surveillance is only used when completely necessary.

Mr Scott added: 'In using the powers available to it, the council is also very careful to guard against intrusion or interference with the vast majority of law abiding citizens.'

The Express asked the council how the spying operations were carried out in towns such as Hailsham.

A council spokesman would not say.

He said: 'The powers Wealden uses can be applied to direct surveillance across the district.

'However, we would not normally discuss operational details, including location.'