CCTV cameras could be installed at a popular tourist spot in West Wycombe amid a string of break-ins. 

Security measures for the Hellfire Caves - which draws in thousands of visitors every year - are being investigated in a bid to tackle the problem of break-ins and attempted break-ins. 

Cameras and roller shutters could now be installed if plans are given the go-ahead by Wycombe District Council. 

While the team at the West Wycombe Estate insists that the measures will be "discreet", they are necessary to protect employees working at the caves. 

In a statement submitted to WDC, Brocklehurst Architects, working on behalf of the West Wycombe Estate, said: "This installation is to tackle the problem of break -ins and attempted break-ins at the caves which are occurring at regular intervals.

"The CCTV installation will also improve the personal safety of employees of the Estate who are somewhat isolated when they on duty.

"During the winter months the caves are only open at the weekends and therefore particularly vulnerable to crime.

"Security of the courtyard and access to the caves has been enhanced with the installation of better gates and padlocks but the two accesses to the café and shop are relatively secluded and set back from the main flint structure."

The cameras will "have no effect on the historic fabric" of the listed building and will be "extremely discreet", according to the plans. 

The iconic caves were originally excavated by Sir Francis Dashwood in the 1740s to give employment to the villagers following a succession of harvest failures.

The caves were all dug by hand.