A police officer says CCTV cameras are used to solve crimes more than you might think

Senior sergeants, camera operators and intel analysts have access to more than 5000 council-owned cameras in Auckland alone.

And officers at the police district command centre use them as an investigative tool and extra set of eyes to assist front-line officers.

Auckland Central Police Acting inspector Mark Clayton says when they do monitor the cameras it's for a specific reason.

He says CBD footage is used regularly.