CCTV aimed at thwarting travelling criminals has gone on line around Derby.
The fixed site cameras are fitted at a number of strategic points around the city and are linked to an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.
The technology works by using a video camera to photograph vehicle registration plates. Computer software then reads the plate and checks the number against the computer’s database.
It checks for stolen vehicles, vehicles suspected of being used in a crime, disqualified drivers or individuals that are wanted on warrant across the country. The check takes a matter of seconds, police report, and if it registers a match, officers can be dispatched to intercept the vehicle.
Mobile ANPR units have been operating across the force area since 2001 resulting in scores of arrests for offences ranging from burglary and assault to drugs trafficking and theft. But this is the first area in the county to be covered by fixed cameras meaning 24-hour coverage, seven days a week.
What they say
Chief Insp Manjit Thandi, who heads community safety in the Derby area, said: "This now gives us the capability to pinpoint the movements of criminals travelling around the Derby area.
"We are using this up to date technology to target those people using the road networks around the city for illegal purposes and hope it leads to more arrests of people for serious criminal offences.
"ANPR is a great tool to have and it has already had a big impact across the force area and in other parts of the country. The cameras are located at various strategic sites in the city and we will hope to expand the system. It’s a strong tactic in our continued fight against crime in Derby and south Derbyshire with the desired result being a greater feeling of confidence for the public and less victims of crime."
The force’s mobile ANPR team will continue to carry out operations on roads around Derby and the county.
