Police have arrested 19 people following a series of operations using its state-of-the-art number plate scanning system in Bristol.

During the operations, held on five separate dates – February 18, 19, 24 and 29 and March 4 – more than 37290 vehicles were scanned and in excess of 2100 hits recorded, using ANPR technology.

This involves police officers utilising the Automated Number Plate Recognition system, which scans number plates and then runs the information through various computerised databases, including the police national computer to check whether there is any "wanted" marker on the car.

The markers may indicate that the vehicles were being driven without insurance, driven while the driver was disqualified; were stolen or may have been used in crime. It means those driving the vehicles increasingly run the risk of early detection and ultimately prosecution.

The four operations were mounted by the road policing unit's tactical crime unit in conjunction with the Bristol District Focus Team in various parts of the city.

A total of 14 people were arrested for a variety of offences, including drugs, a sex offence, theft and robbery, plus driving while disqualified, as well as arrests on warrant.

On February 19 the ANPR check in Muller Road resulted in a vehicle being stopped and a drug dealer arrested. He had been wanted for his involvement in possession of uncut cocaine and cash offences by the Atrium - the force's response to class A drug dealing.

On February 29 an ANPR check on Airport Road produced a hit on a stolen motorbike, which had been taken during a previous robbery.

Since June 2007 the district focus team has arrested 678 offenders across Bristol, boosted by the ANPR technology.

Supt Andy Pullan, head of the road policing unit said: "ANPR is now regarded as a major tool to combat crime and help target criminals. This is a tool which we can use to take the fight to the criminals. It sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate crime and will remain relentless in our campaign to hunt down those who choose to pursue a career in crime."

In addition to ANPR fixed and mobile cameras operated by the police, there are further fixed cameras located throughout the Avon and Somerset police force area, which are operated by other agencies and organisations.

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