SEX offenders, burglars and travelling criminals who visit Burnham could soon be caught on camera.

SEX offenders, burglars and travelling criminals who visit Burnham could soon be caught on camera.

Police in the town are trying to raise £20,000 for three automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras around Burnham and Highbridge to track criminals who visit the area.

The cameras read the number plates of vehicles driving past them and in seconds can check the vehicle history, whether the plates have been stolen and whether the owner has a criminal record.

Sgt Ian Kennett said: "I want to make the Burnham area the safest in Somerset. I want to get a ring of cameras around the area at Brean, Edithmead and Highbridge so that vehicles entering from any direction will be scanned by the cameras."

The cameras cost £15,500 each and £11,000 has already been raised for the one in Brean. Funding has already been secured for the camera near Edithmead but Sgt Kennett still needs to raise money for the Highbridge camera.

The £15,500 covers the cost of the camera and installation.

Sgt Kennett said: "There is funding within the police force so the cameras can be monitored 24-7 but I need we urgently need businesses to come forward to fund the cameras themselves.

"There aren't any ANPR cameras in Somerset at the moment so Burnham could be one of the first if we manage to raise the money."

A letter has been sent out to businesses in the area encouraging them to contribute to the project. Anyone interested in donating can make a pledge by writing to Sgt Ian Kennett at Burnham Police Station, Burnham Road Burnham, TA8 1LS or email ian.kennett@avonandsomerset.police.uk