Japan to install CCTV cams in 15 residential areas

Police will install a network of security cameras at 15 residential areas in 14 out of the country's 47 prefectures as part of nationwide crime-prevention efforts, the National Police Agency said Thursday.

The police will entrust volunteer groups of residents to operate and manage shooting equipment and image data, agency officials said.

The police plan to launch the first such residential network in Japan around January next year, they said.

Currently the police have 363 security cameras in operation at bustling shopping and entertainment urban districts across the country.

It will also be the first time for the police to entrust such management duties to residents groups.

The National Police Agency, coordinator of the nation's prefectural police forces, said the police will discuss the details of operating the network with volunteer groups.