SINGAPORE - A community project bringing residents with in-vehicle cameras together to raise neighbourhood safety was launched on Sunday.

Called Vehicles on Watch, the initiative puts drivers with such cameras in partnership with the police. The devices act as additional "eyes" on neighbourhood crime, and footage can be submitted to the police as evidence.

There are some 760 participating residents with cameras in cars across 56 parking areas in Bedok, Changi, Geylang, Marine Parade, and Pasir Ris. Each of the carparks involved carries a sign letting passers-by know that the place is "guarded by vehicles with in-car cameras", as a form of deterrence.

Launching the project yesterday in Pasir Ris was Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs.

Vehicle owners are encouraged by the police to purchase in-car cameras that can record for 24 hours, and not only when the car is moving.

"With more in-vehicle cameras watching, residents can look forward to safer car parks and safer neighbourhoods," said Bedok Police Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Alvin Moh.