Number's Up For Travelling Criminals

North Yorkshire Police's dedicated Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Team have seized their 500th vehicle of 2008.

LOGO

The vehicle, a Vauxhall Astra was seized by officers working on the A64 at Tadcaster this morning (30 December) after the driver was stopped and found to have no insurance and a provisional licence.

The small team of five intercept officers and three backroom staff work on routes across the county targeting travelling criminals who use the county's roads to further their illegal activity.

In addition to seized vehicles, this year the team have arrested 272 people, issued 734 summons for various offences and seized suspected stolen property, cash and drugs totalling £753,272.

Sergeant Ian Butler, who heads the team said: "We are a small team but have achieved some fantastic results this year.

"The technology available to us means we can target specific vehicles, those drivers found without insurance are often involved in other criminal activity.

"Our aim is to disrupt travelling criminals' access to and from North Yorkshire. It is noticeable from our figures that out of the 272 people arrested, 208 where from out of the county.

"ANPR is a highly effective tool which roots out criminals using the road networks to further their illegal activity. We will continue to use it to its full potential."

Since the introduction of the unit in June 2003, it has gone from strength to strength, and was instrumental in our unique crime crackdown earlier this year - Operation Orbit. This was the largest operation of its kind with over 60 officers, 40 police vehicles, air support and eight ANPR teams from neighbouring forces taking part.

Total ANPR results this year (from 1st Jan-30 Dec)

272 Arrests for various offences including:

46 for theft

31 for driving while disqualified

32 for vehicle theft 25 drug offences

15 people wanted on warrant

64 other offences

734 summons issued for various offences

331 Fixed penalty notices issued

Drugs, property and cash seized totalling £753,272.