Net game to allow players view CCTVs, report crime

A new Internet game is said to be launched which will allow players to plug into thousands of Britain's close circuit television cameras and report crimes.

The 'Internet Eyes' service will involve players scanning through thousands CCTV cameras installed in shops, businesses and town centres across Britain looking for law-breakers.

Those who will help nab the most number of criminals each month will win cash prizes up to 1,000 pounds.

The game website will also feature hall of fame in which suspected 'criminals' along with a list of their offences and the name of internet user caught them will be posted.

Tony Morgan's brainchild the game will be launched next month in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Morgan said it would give local businesses protection against petty criminals, and act as a deterrent, the Daily Mail reported.

But detractors have condemned the game, branding it 'a snoopers paradise' the paper said.

He will charge 20 pound a week per camera to have their CCTV included on the site which could eventually include local authorities and even police forces as well as shop owners.

"This could turn out to be the best crime prevention weapon there's ever been.

"I wanted to combine the serious business of stopping crime with the incentive of winning money", Morgan was quoted as saying.

"We've had a lot of interest from local businesses and hope to roll it out nationwide and then worldwide," Morgan said, adding, Britain has around 4 million CCTV cameras.

Players can collect points by clicking a button every time they see something suspicious taking place in the CCTV images in real-time.

An SMS message, along with a still image of the alleged crime will be sent to the operator controlling the camera. They can then decide whether or not to take action.

Players are awarded one point for spotting a suspected crime and three points if they see someone committing an actual crime.

Players will lose points if the camera operator rules out the alert as a crime.