Cameras To Foil Bandits

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 15

Cameras To Foil Bandits

GV Z Press Assn—CopyrigM) SYDNEY, July 22. Secret “beat-the-bandits” cameras are being fitted in banks in Sydney. Since the end of January. 15 banks have been robbed in the city. The camouflaged cameras are spring-loaded. When they are activated they take a series of photographs automatically.

The cameras can be set in motion in different ways—through contact switches, by the breaking of a light beam and by the use of an ultrasonic device. A police spokesman said in Sydney: “The’hidden camera method of identification will be very helpful.” Banks installing the cameras are the Bank of New South Wales and the Rural Bank. A bank official said: "These cameras have proved a great value in America and Europe, where they have provided

police with clear pictures of hold-up men. “They are prefocussed and preset and are equipped with special wide-angle lenses. Using super-sensitive film, we can ensure that, even in poor light, clear pictures can be obtained. “They will reveal facial features, profiles, clothing and even the mannerisms of bank robbers.” The official said that the installation of cameras was only one of several new security measures being introduced by the bank.