OWNERS of CCTV systems in Redditch are being urged to do their bit to make the community safer.

As part of a public-spirited gesture, police are asking people to contribute to a forcewide database by registering their CCTV systems.

It means that in the event of major crime, police will be aware of camera locations to help them in the search for useful information, such as the whereabouts of a missing person.

Acting DCI Sean Paley said many small businesses have CCTV and householders were also increasingly installing systems.

He said: "The police cannot be everywhere at once and CCTV can help in making us all feel safer."

He said registering would be entirely on a voluntary basis but urged owners to check if they were complying with the Data Protection Act.

"Whether or not they need to register with the Information Commissioner depends on the type of CCTV system and the way it is used," he said.

"However, failure to comply with Data Protection Act requirements could not only result in a fine but also affect police ability to use the CCTV images to investigate a crime and may hamper the prosecution of offenders."

To register with the police, CCTV owners can call 586360.