West Mercia Police in car plate cameras upgrade to fight crime
More cameras used to read car number plates will be installed across the region in a bid to fight organised crime and counter terrorism.
Police covering Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have confirmed plans to upgrade Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
West Mercia Police has awarded a four-year contract to Vysionics ITS Ltd.
The cameras automatically read car number plates and are part of an intelligence network used to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality.
They help with national security and counter terrorism and can be useful in tackling serious and organised crime.
There are currently ANPR cameras in 52 locations across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
But the expansion will see the technology installed in an additional 89 "strategic sites" by early 2018.
ACC Chris Singer said: "Work on installing the new ANPR technology and upgrading existing cameras reaching the end of their life will start immediately to ensure we have the best systems to protect our communities from suspected travelling criminals."
Specific locations of ANPR cameras are not published as it could be a benefit to criminals using the roads which will then hinder police work.
Warwickshire PCC Ron Ball said: "We have seen already that the existing network has proved effective in helping police identify, track and arrest criminals."
West Mercia Deputy PCC Barrie Sheldon added: "ANPR technology is an important tool for our officers to help detect, deter and disrupt criminality in both urban and rural locations.
"The upgrade will help us stay one step ahead of suspected criminals."
"As is always the case with surveillance, privacy is a serious consideration here. The Office of the PCC will monitor how the police are handling this specific element of ANPR, to ensure it is being used to help tackle crime without compromising people's right to privacy."
