Wigan Council have used special covert surveillance three times in the past four years to crack down on crime, a report has found. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) allows local authorities to use CCTV, recording and monitoring equipment for the prevention and detection of crime.
In the case of Wigan, they use it to investigate incidents of fly tipping, underage sales or alcohol and tobacco and anti-social matters, a cabinet report claims. Covert surveillance includes monitoring, observing and listening which is recorded by any means.
This can extend to social media.
