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29/05/2003
New police traffic system paves way for crime crackdown
A new hi-tech system launched today is set to put the brakes on serious crime in 23 police force areas.
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system was piloted for six months in nine police forces, and will now be rolled out across England and Wales. In trials, the cutting edge system has helped police seize more than £100,000 in illegal drugs and recover over 300 stolen vehicles – with a value in excess of £2 million – and £715,000 in stolen goods. More than 3,000 people were arrested - 10 times more than the national average - with the majority of arrests being for serious crimes.
The police say that the success of the pilot underscored research which points to strong links between road traffic offences and more serious crime.
Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth: "Criminals, like everyone else, need to use the roads - but in areas where ANPR technology is in operation, they are increasingly vulnerable.
"This crime fighting technology coupled with officers' local knowledge and experience, means vehicles are stopped in a more focused, intelligence-led way, so honest motorists are less likely to be pulled over by the police."
Hailed as a powerful technological tool in the fight against serious crime, ANPR systems instantly scan number plates and match them against information stored in databases to identify vehicles of interest to the police such as stolen cars or those involved in crime. When a suspicious vehicle is recognised it becomes the focus of police targeted interceptions and enquiries.
It was also announced today that fixed penalty notice receipts from offences detected through ANPR will help fund the further expansion of the pilot scheme. From 1 June 2003, the fixed penalty scheme for motoring offences will be extended to include three additional offences; failing to supply driver details when required, driving without insurance or an MOT certificate, together with an increased penalty for failing to display a current tax disc.
The second phase of the ANPR pilot scheme will run until this December
The Home Office has already provided support for all forces to use ANPR with £4.65 million worth of funding from the Crime Reduction Programme. Entitled 'Project Spectrum', this provided each force in England and Wales with one fully compatible mobile ANPR unit and associated back-office facility in June 2002. In addition many forces have purchased additional ANPR capability.
(GMcG)
The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system was piloted for six months in nine police forces, and will now be rolled out across England and Wales. In trials, the cutting edge system has helped police seize more than £100,000 in illegal drugs and recover over 300 stolen vehicles – with a value in excess of £2 million – and £715,000 in stolen goods. More than 3,000 people were arrested - 10 times more than the national average - with the majority of arrests being for serious crimes.
The police say that the success of the pilot underscored research which points to strong links between road traffic offences and more serious crime.
Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth: "Criminals, like everyone else, need to use the roads - but in areas where ANPR technology is in operation, they are increasingly vulnerable.
"This crime fighting technology coupled with officers' local knowledge and experience, means vehicles are stopped in a more focused, intelligence-led way, so honest motorists are less likely to be pulled over by the police."
Hailed as a powerful technological tool in the fight against serious crime, ANPR systems instantly scan number plates and match them against information stored in databases to identify vehicles of interest to the police such as stolen cars or those involved in crime. When a suspicious vehicle is recognised it becomes the focus of police targeted interceptions and enquiries.
It was also announced today that fixed penalty notice receipts from offences detected through ANPR will help fund the further expansion of the pilot scheme. From 1 June 2003, the fixed penalty scheme for motoring offences will be extended to include three additional offences; failing to supply driver details when required, driving without insurance or an MOT certificate, together with an increased penalty for failing to display a current tax disc.
The second phase of the ANPR pilot scheme will run until this December
The Home Office has already provided support for all forces to use ANPR with £4.65 million worth of funding from the Crime Reduction Programme. Entitled 'Project Spectrum', this provided each force in England and Wales with one fully compatible mobile ANPR unit and associated back-office facility in June 2002. In addition many forces have purchased additional ANPR capability.
(GMcG)
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02 November 2004
Police hi-tech car scanning system gets £15m boost
A hi-tech vehicle number plate scanning system that has seen police arrest rates soar and millions of pounds worth of stolen goods recovered is to receive a £15 million boost, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.
Police hi-tech car scanning system gets £15m boost
A hi-tech vehicle number plate scanning system that has seen police arrest rates soar and millions of pounds worth of stolen goods recovered is to receive a £15 million boost, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.
23 October 2008
Police 'Failing To Record' Serious Violent Crime
British police forces are failing to properly record serious violent crime, according to new statistics released by the Home Office. The government report blamed inaccurate police record keeping for a 22% rise in the number of the most serious crimes - including murder, attempted murder and manslaughter - in England and Wales.
Police 'Failing To Record' Serious Violent Crime
British police forces are failing to properly record serious violent crime, according to new statistics released by the Home Office. The government report blamed inaccurate police record keeping for a 22% rise in the number of the most serious crimes - including murder, attempted murder and manslaughter - in England and Wales.
07 February 2012
Great Expectations Of The MPU
Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of renowned English novelist Charles Dickens (7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870), widely considered the greatest of the Victorian period. London as Dickens knew it, reached his pages, not from his imagination, but from his observations.
Great Expectations Of The MPU
Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of renowned English novelist Charles Dickens (7 February 1812 - 9 June 1870), widely considered the greatest of the Victorian period. London as Dickens knew it, reached his pages, not from his imagination, but from his observations.
25 January 2005
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
29 September 2003
Global measures against organised crime come into force
The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, the first legally binding treaty to fight crime on a worldwide scale in response to the growing globalisation of criminal gangs, entered into force today.
Global measures against organised crime come into force
The UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, the first legally binding treaty to fight crime on a worldwide scale in response to the growing globalisation of criminal gangs, entered into force today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
