More than 40 cameras, some fixed and some mobile which can be moved to cover crime hotspots, are operating in Aston.

Police said thanks to the cameras 42 arrests were made for public order offences after a match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City in March.

Sergeant Dave Shergold said they had been invaluable in the fight against crime in Aston.

Sgt Shergold said: "The success of the cameras speaks for itself in terms of convictions alone, and this does not take into account the deterrent effect of having cameras."

Successful convictions include the arrest of a man in April 2003 after two pensioners were robbed.

The offender was tracked across Aston by CCTV operators and was sentenced to four years in prison.