POLICE have hailed their success at using a camera to prevent anti-social behaviour outside a parade of shops.

A camera was put up outside shops in Livingstone Road, Gravesend following reports about criminal damage and intimidation.

North Kent police say there has been a reduction in complaints since the camera was installed.

PCSO Leigh-Anne Cook said: “This issue was made a priority for our area to try to resolve.

“Businesses have been affected because people were reluctant to visit the shops but since the camera went up, there are less young people hanging around.

“At times there were up to 20 young people outside the shops but now it is less and those who are here are behaving whilst the camera is on them.”