Police using cash taken from criminals to fight rural crime
They are funding new trail cameras in fields and woodlands
Cash taken from criminals is now funding new trail cameras to help fight crime in rural areas.
Police are putting these solar-powered cameras in fields and woodlands where they’ve seen problems like poaching, fly tipping, and thefts.
Essex Police are hoping these cameras will protect the county's "most vulnerable rural areas", and deter crimes like hare coursing and fly tipping.
PC Luke Jones says tactical deployment of the cameras can aid investigations, deter criminals and make victims feel safer, providing valuable reassurance and support.
“Trail cameras are relatively cheap and easy to put up and, of course, they can monitor the area day and night,” says Luke, a rural engagement officer.
“The footage is clear, which will help us to identify suspects, vehicles and even index plates – it’s good enough to be used as evidence.
“But they also provide us with valuable intelligence which can help us with problem solving and appropriate crime prevention advice.”
Under the banner of Operation Around, trail cameras are deployed based on crime pattern analysis, recent incidents and intelligence linked to crime hotspots, and for varying lengths of time depending on the issue.
“Having identified a problem where we think the cameras will be helpful, we speak with the landowner, provide crime prevention advice and offer to put up cameras,” says Luke.
“Each deployment includes clear signage to meet legal requirements, making it visible that surveillance is in operation. We have found that the signs are as much of a deterrent as the cameras themselves.
“While the primary purpose is to gather evidence and deter crime, they have also proved their value in capturing footage of rare and vulnerable wildlife, helping landowners to better understand conservation needs on their property.”
Results to date have been excellent, says Luke, with farmers and landowners consistently reporting increased reassurance. Surveys completed after each deployment show high satisfaction, with several stating that knowing the cameras are present has already changed behaviour on their land.
Luke says: “These cameras provide farmers, landowners and victims in isolated rural locations with another layer of protection.”