caithness

POLICE in the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross command area have recently taken delivery of two vehicles fitted with the highly effective ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) crime fighting technology .

One of the cars in front of Wick Police Station

It’s introduction was made possible thanks to a project jointly funded by Highland Council, who supported the introduction of the technology through the three Caithness ward discretionary budgets.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is a system which is connected to fixed or mobile cameras and can read over a large number plates per hour. The system takes a snapshot of the number plate and converts it into data which is then cross checked against police intelligence databases.

It can be compared to an intelligent CCTV system, capable of quickly identifying vehicles of interest, using minimum police resources, which assists in proactively managing and targeting criminal and road traffic offenders.

Police across Scotland are utilising ANPR technology, which is linked to an enhanced centralised database, and since its introduction in 2001 has had a major impact in the detection and investigation of crime.

The registration numbers of vehicles of interest, such as stolen vehicles or those used by travelling criminals are stored on the system databases and are compared with those registration numbers captured passing ANPR systems, therefore it has no impact on ordinary law abiding motorists.

The police operator verifies all outputs from the ANPR system before any action is taken. Great care is taken over the accuracy, currency and validity of any vehicle registration number stored on the system.

Chief Inspector Andy Brown commented:
“Investment in ANPR technology will allow my officers to specifically focus on individuals committing crime on our network of roads and to deter and disrupt criminals from going about their business.

“It will enhance our intelligence on criminal activity and permit us to track criminals and have their vehicles intercepted and occupants arrested. I can only commend the Caithness members in their determination and commitment to make Caithness a safer place to live and work.”

Councillor David Flear said:
“Members are delighted to work in partnership with Northern Constabulary in a bid to reduce and prevent crime. I am very impressed with the technology available and how it will benefit the police in dealing with criminals who regularly target remote rural areas we look forward to seeing the results of this considerable investment.”

Council members were provided with a demonstration of the system in action last week.