Half of the island’s 150 CCTV cameras are currently out of action, according to the Government.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, revealed the figure after announcing plans to upgrade and expand the network of security cameras.

Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Weeks said that a local company had been awarded a contract to install and maintain 265 cameras across the island.

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Mr Weeks said: “There are currently 150 CCTV cameras across the Island of which 75 are inoperable. The new CCTV system will provide 265 CCTV cameras at a higher resolution with more reliable connectivity. This will significantly expand coverage.

“After an open procurement process, a contract will shortly be awarded to a local company for the new island-wide CCTV system. Some 13 companies bid on the contract – 11 local and two overseas companies.

“The contract will include not only the new island-wide CCTV system but a managed maintenance service contract to ensure its performance and reliability. The new system will also provide for scalability to enable future upgrades and additional capability.”

Mr Weeks said that the new system which will completely replace the current network, make it easier for police to identify suspects caught on camera.

He added: “The software will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to search footage for individuals and vehicles and provide better outcomes for law enforcement.

“The new system will include an evidence management capability that will simplify, standardise and reduce the cost of video evidence across the Bermuda Police Service.

“The video management software will open up the possibility to integrate with both private and commercial CCTV systems across the Island to increase coverage even further.”

Mr Weeks said the system will be “vendor agnostic” – allowing it to be integrated with other systems such as video analytics, gunshot detection and computer aided dispatch.

He said: “This will result in increased safety for our community. CCTV aids in the identification of suspects in the event of criminal activity and deters others from becoming involved in criminal activity.

“After the contract is signed with the successful vendor, I will provide more details to this honourable house on the contract including the name of the successful company, cost and the schedule for the upgrades.”

Questioned by Susan Jackson, the Shadow Minister of Transport, Mr Weeks confirmed that the cameras will be able to monitor the speed of travelling vehicles.