Police have vowed to step up patrols after it emerged that CCTV cameras in Ely and Soham have not been working properly for a number of weeks.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said officers had “increased patrols in key areas” after being made aware that the network of 28 CCTV cameras in Ely and seven in Soham were not functioning properly.

Problems with the camera system occurred when technicians attempted to convert them from fibre-optic to wireless – a move designed to make operating the cameras more affordable for owners City of Ely Council and Soham Town Council.

But technical problems encountered while updating the cameras have led to faults in the system, with some cameras not functioning at all.

The system, which is monitored at Ely Police Station, was formerly managed by East Cambridgeshire District Council but was transferred to the city and town councils earlier this year as part of a package of cost-saving measures.

The mayor of Ely, Cllr Lis Every, has apologised for the error and said the council expected the problems to be resolved in the near future.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “We are aware of technical issues with the new CCTV system covering Ely and Soham, and are working closely with partner agencies to ensure the issue is resolved as soon as possible.

“We have alternative measures in place while the work is carried out and have increased patrols in key areas.”