Additional new ANPR cameras help track down wanted suspects
A man suspected of drug dealing and evading justice was tracked down by Nottinghamshire Police thanks to the instillation of additional state-of-the-art Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The cameras, introduced to tackle crime and make communities safer through the Safer Streets project, played a key role in officers tracking down the 34-year-old, who was linked to drug-related activity in the Bulwell area.
This work comes after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has invested £333,000 in Nottingham City as part of the latest round of Safer Streets projects which have been launched around the county.
Due to a change in regulations only allowing for a maximum of three bids, which would have excluded the city. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has committed the additional funding for projects in Nottingham City to ensure the people of Nottingham don’t miss out.
The addition of ANPR cameras is one part of a wider package of measures introduced in Nottingham as part of the Safer Streets programme.
Alongside enhanced CCTV coverage, new street lighting has been installed in key areas to improve visibility and deter criminal activity, while targeted home security upgrades have helped to protect vulnerable residents from burglary.
The 34-year-old was wanted for recall to prison from 5 July 2024 and was outstanding for several weeks whilst officers were trying to locate him. A vehicle he was linked to was identified through enquiries and with the use of ANPR, the Road Crime team quickly stopped and arrested him for recall to prison, where he currently remains.
Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “This is exactly why we have invested in additional ANPR cameras as part of the Safer Streets programme.
“These cameras are making a real difference in tackling crime, helping officers track down suspects and disrupt illegal activity more effectively.
“The technology is proving invaluable in making Nottingham and Nottinghamshire a safer place for residents, and I am committed to continuing this investment to keep our communities protected.”
City North Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Paul Ferguson added: “The use of ANPR technology is proving to be a vital tool in our efforts to disrupt criminal activity and bring offenders to justice.
“This is just one example of how Safer Streets funding, alongside some fantastic Police work is helping us to make Nottinghamshire a safer place, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to target those causing harm in our communities.”
This work sits alongside the ongoing efforts of Nottinghamshire Police and community safety partners at Nottingham City Council, who continue to work tirelessly to keep Nottingham’s streets safe.
Through a combination of enforcement, prevention, and community-led initiatives, these measures are helping to build safer, stronger communities across the city.
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