Catching crooks with capture cars

An example of the image caught by police capture cars in Nottinghamshire.

A report to members stated that, as a crime-fighting Partnership Plus (PP) scheme, a ‘capture car’ was being deployed in hotspot areas.

“This looks like any other vehicle but is specially fitted with hidden cameras, while items left on display are security-marked,” the report explained.

“When movement is detected in the vehicle after it has been broken into, the direction, speed and location are shown via GPS satellite.”

Hucknall East ward is one of five hotspot areas in Ashfield which have been chosen for the PP initiative in 2014-15 because of high crime levels.

The aim is for statutory and non-statutory agencies to work together to tackle issues identified in the areas. Funding is provided annually by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Another PP scheme, Groundworks Creswell, means free fitting of burglar alarms for break-in victims when referred by Nottinghamshire Police, as well as maintaining alarms already fitted.

The report went on to say that police were making regular visits to shops highlighted on the police database as having high levels of theft and violence.

Ashfield District Council have also provided a noise patrol pilot project on Friday and Saturday nights until 2am to tackle noise-related anti-social behaviour.

Also, 20 alarm sensors have so far been fitted to Hucknall sheds in a bid to combat allotment break-ins.