Targeting criminals using cross border roads

24 February 2012

Over 60 vehicles were stopped and checked during a collaborative operation held on the Norfolk/Suffolk border on Thursday 23 February 2012 using Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

Operation Identify aimed to disrupt those criminals intent on using the cross border road network.

Officers from Norfolk and Suffolk’s ANPR Intercept teams deployed at strategically chosen locations on the Suffolk/Norfolk border between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, with the intention of denying and stopping motorists suspected of crime, mainly burglary, handling stolen property and other offences of interest to police.

Automated Number Plate Recognition technology was used by police officers to stop suspicious vehicles. Police officers and representatives from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Fuel Testing Unit then carried out thorough checks on both the vehicles and their occupants.

During the operation 62 vehicles were intercepted, with five seized for driving licence, insurance and red diesel offences.

Officers issued 15 Fixed Penalty Notices for offences including no insurance and no MOT, and a warning was issued under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act after a small amount of cannabis was seized from one driver.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Quantrell said:

“By using modern technology we were able to stop and process a number of vehicles for a wide range of offences. The thorough work that was done by police officers from both Norfolk and Suffolk and the HMRC Fuel Testing Unit meant that we were able to make a major contribution towards road safety and disrupting criminals’ use of the roads.

“This operation was a great example of collaborative working between two forces and all involved put in a lot of hard work and it was pleasing that everyone was able to see positive results.

“We hope that this operation has further demonstrated our commitment to using the latest technology and working jointly to tackle crime on Norfolk and Suffolk’s roads.”