A SUSPECTED crack cocaine dealer has been arrested after he was spotted on Coleford' s CCTV system – which could be switched off.
The camera operator, based at the town's police station, zeroed in on several people acting suspiciously in St John's Street in the early hours of the morning and alerted the police.
Officers arrested the man and then searched his home in the town.
PC Julie Evans told town councillors on Tuesday that more drugs and an imitation firearm was found at the man's house.
The drugs recovered are suspected to be crack cocaine but police are waiting on the outcome of forensic tests.
Superintendent Phil Haynes said: "If the CCTV wasn't there he would not have been caught," he said.
Despite calls for police to assist with the funding of the cameras, Supt Haynes said this wasn't an option.
"We've got to save £18 million while maintaining frontline policing on the street," he said.
"The CCTV is the district council's contribution toward reducing crime.
"We're willing to look at potential solutions but if we spend more money it will take resources off the street."
The district council has decided to stop paying CCTV running costs, claiming it is unfair people living in outlying areas pay for a service which benefits residents and businesses in town centres.
At full council tonight councillor Max Coborn will try to have the district council budget amended so the cameras can operate for another year.
Coleford mayor Sue Merrikin said: "I'm disappointed that the district council wouldn't consider the fact that a proper consultation has not taken place."
Following the incident on Sunday, February 13, a 27-year-old man, who lives in the town, was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
He has been bailed to return to Gloucester Police Station on March 29.