A state of the art CCTV system is aiming to catch criminals targeting companies at the Hainault Business Park.

The cameras cost Redbridge Council more than £71,000 and will use automatic number plate recognition to identify any suspicious vehicles.

The switch-on on Friday was a happy occasion for Hainault Business Improvement District (BID) members, who have campaigned for two years to raise the funds.

Chairman Chris Wyles said: “We didn’t just want to improve security in the business park – it’s for the local area and the community as well.

“Hopefully it will reduce crime and act as a deterrent on top of our other CCTV.”

Mr Wyles, a manager at PC&D Services, said he could “write a book” about crime in the business park.

Theft, burglary and vandalism is too frequent he said, and Hainault BID was set up in 2006 to tackle the issue.

The cameras are focused on each of the park’s four entrances in Peregrine Road, Fowler Road and Roebuck Road.

Drivers will have their number plates displayed on a screen welcoming them to the area and making them aware that their plates have been recorded.

Although the cameras were funded by the council, ongoing maintenance costs will be met by the BID.

A report on the scheme last year found it would create a safer and more secure environment, helping firms.

Hainault Business Park used to be seen as a “crime hotspot”, the report presented to cabinet said, but the improving reputation is bringing in more companies and driving up profits.

Mr Wyles said the camera footage will also be available to police for investigations.

He added: “Sometimes with our current CCTV they haven’t been able to read number plates so hopefully this will help them catch people.”

Speaking at the cabinet meeting where the investment was improved, Cllr Thomas Chan, member for business and regeneration, said: “I think a system like this will definitely deter potential burglars and prevent anti-social behaviour.”

The cameras were installed by security firm SECOM, which is based on the site.