Nearly 30 arrests in Leeds yesterday by WYP using facial recognition vans
27 arrests were made yesterday by West Yorkshire Police when using facial recognition vans to detect wanted people.
Nearly 30 people were arrested in Leeds yesterday as part of a district-wide operation focused on locating and arresting wanted people.
Operation Amberside saw over 60 officers across Leeds District dedicated to looking for people wanted for criminal offences.
WATCH: Man stopped when detected via the facial recognition van
The district was supported by members of the Special Constabulary, the Mounted Section and two Live Facial Recognition deployments in the city centre.
In total, 27 people were arrested, for offences including rape, robbery, burglary, theft from shop, drugs and domestic abuse offences.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Farrell, who leads on Neighbourhood Crime in Leeds District, said: “This operation was all about making sure that those suspected of causing the most threat, risk and harm in our communities were taken into custody and made to account for their actions.
“Often those who are wanted by police will know that we are looking for them and will do whatever they can to evade us. Operation Amberside has allowed for an all-hands-on deck approach with officers and staff from departments across the district coming together to identify arrest opportunities and conduct proactive enquiries and enforcement activity.
“This was the first time that Operation Amberside has been run in the district, but the plan is to repeat it on a regular basis to reduce the number of outstanding wanted people and associated risk to the public. For those who are still wanted, they should know that we are continuing to look for them and will leave no stone unturned to get justice for victims.”