SPY cameras could be install-ed to target Watchet's crime hotspots in a bid to tackle a rising tide of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Town councillors are to consider whether a CCTV system is affordable and viable following a police plea this week.

Sergeant Trevor Short told the authority at its monthly meeting on Monday that CCTV was "one of the best police officers ever invented - other than the rain".

He said he was aware the council had previously considered the possibility of cameras, particularly on The Esplanade.

But he said there was a chance that the base unit recording system of a CCTV system in Minehead could become available, possibly cutting the overall cost.

Sgt Short said he was "floating the idea" of CCTV cameras following an increase in the number of incidents and damage in the last couple of months, resulting in extra police officers being drafted into the area.

One of the most recent incidents saw the doors to the changing rooms in the Henry Davey playing field damaged beyond repair by vandals using a pole as a battering ram.

Residents have also had to endure a spate of petty problems from doorstep milk thefts to for sale' signs outside houses being ripped down and plants and shrubs damaged in public areas.

Sgt Short said the Minehead equipment was being replaced because the system was being upgraded and extended.

"There would still be the cost of transferring it and there would be no monitors or cameras, so you have those costs.

"But I am simply raising it as an issue for you to consider."

Cllr Jenny Hill said when CCTV was considered by the council previously, there had been a problem finding anyone to monitor the footage.

But Sgt Short said in the majority of incidents, CCTV was used to identify culprits after the crime.

"For special events, it might be monitored as things are happening. But for everyday use, it is looked at after the crime."

Cllr Doug Webber, who was council chairman when the issue had been considered in 2003, said: "The cost then was put at £57,000 and the price rather frightened us off."

"And we thought that having the cameras in one area would shift the problem to another location.

"You would almost need to do the whole town."

But Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin said when CCTV had been looked at previously, it was prior to wireless technology: "It was the cost of cabling that was prohibitive."

Sgt Short admitted it would be impractical to consider having cameras across the whole town.

He said the council could focus on areas such as the Esplanade and the marina and encourage residents in other areas to be the authority's "eyes".

But councillors told him that many people were too frightened to report incidents for fear of reprisals.

Cllr Loretta Whetlor said people needed to realise that they did not have to give their names to the police and could report crimes anonymously.

Council chairman Cllr Paul Chamberlain suggested an awareness drive was needed to highlight the issue.

He described the recent upturn in vandalism as disappointing and said the incident at the Henry Davey changing rooms had also damaged part of the walls of the building.

"The concrete was smashed and bits of render have come off the wall. We have had to board it up and we have now ordered some steel-framed doors - they will be the third set of doors we have put in."

Cllr Chamberlain said it was vital that people were vigilant in reporting anything suspicious as soon as it happened.

"It's no good ringing the police a week after the event - people must ring at the time."

Cllr de Renzy-Martin, who told councillors money had been stolen from the town's youth club last week, said youth crime appeared to go in three-year cycles in the town.

"I think we are at the beginning of another three-year cycle. That's not an excuse for what is happening but last year was quite quiet and I think, in time, it will be again."

The council's finance committee has been charged with investigating the cost of CCTV and the type of equipment that would be needed and will report back to the full council within the next couple of months.