Camera system helps West Mercia police to keep watch on Hereford drivers
A CAMERA system could put the brakes on travelling criminals in Herefordshire.
West Mercia Police has made a big catch using a number of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras.
Several patrol cars have been fitted with the technology, which checks number plates against the police database.
Many motorists were caught on camera last Thursday when Operation Watch hit the streets around Hereford.
About 40 officers and Community Support Officers took part in the launch, with patrols based in Whitestone and Belmont Road.
Supt Kevin Purcell called the cameras a “crime-fighting tool” that would make the county’s roads safer.
He said more operations would take place around Christmas in all the market towns.
“The ones we’re really looking for are vehicles that are stolen or used in burglaries,” he said.
“You’d be surprised how many there are. I would say it’s one vehicle in 10 – it might just be a tax disc or no insurance, but it could be for more dangerous things.”
More than 100 cars were stopped between 10am and 6pm in south Hereford, mostly for tax offences and vehicle defects.
But three motorists were also arrested – including a driver with a truncheon, and a driver over the drink-drive limit.
Sgt Dave Boote said it was important for the public to see the police, who chatted to pedestrians about the operation.
“People spend a lot of money on taxing and insuring their cars, only for someone to hit them who won’t be insured,” he said.
“People can see we have an operation going on, but we’re also keen to get the right message across.”
