New window barriers have been put on Westgate's maximum security unit after it was found prisoners could take out grills and and grab contraband thrown at their windows.

And prison authorities are planning extra lighting and cameras to help spot people tossing drugs and cell phones over fences.

Prison Commissioner Hubert Dean said there had been numerous breaches in the past couple of months with people getting into the neighbouring Shell property and throwing goods at windows for prisoners to retrieve.

Mr. Dean told : "Prisoners would fish with whatever they could find and reach whatever was outside the window.

"They didn't need very much ? a belt or whatever they could find. The inmate doesn't have anything else to do other than find methods to beat the system."

He said prisoners could still open their low windows but they could not now reach out to grab anything.

"Since we put the screen up we have discovered items thrown in. It raises the question of what was getting in before."

He said cell phones were the major item being found although cannabis was also turning up.

Mr. Dean believes they are used to intimidate witnesses as well as calling family and friends.

"We have had discussions with both Works and Engineering and Shell to see what we can do in the area.

"Shell are very co-operative. We want Works and Engineering to put in some additional lighting so we will see that area and record the activities that may be happening."

He said throwers were also going to the Malabar side of the compound. "The cameras can maybe see a bike riding away."

Officers always check the grounds before releasing prisoners for recreation said Mr. Dean.

He has been keen to crack down on drugs and other contraband in Westgate but his plans to set up a hand-picked security team for sweeps of the prison have hit the buffers because of understaffing.

Only 14 people signed up for the recent recruitment course ? down five on what was planned ? while resignations and retirements have further depleted numbers.

"Right now we need an additional nine staff. We might have to recruit again at the end of the year," he said.

Individuals have been identified for the sweep team and the idea could revived when there is a full staff roster said Mr. Dean.