Cop chopper will be an eye in the sky

12:15pm Tuesday 15th July 2008

Dyfed-Powys police's force helicopter can now read number plates from nearly 500 metres in the air, thanks to new crime-busting technology.

The force helicopter is already actively used in major incidents, missing person enquiries, traffic and event management and intelligence gathering.

Now an automatic number plate reader (ANPR) and speed enforcement equipment have been fitted to the chopper as part of the ongoing battle against crime.

The ANPR is constantly updated with data including missing cars and wanted criminals.

"We are working with our colleagues on the ground to reduce the number of speed related collision," said Inspector Ian Richards.

"By being able to target speeders from the air we are helping to make our roads safer.

"The ANPR allows us to search number plates which we can read from 1,500ft up. It is updated daily with national information about stolen vehicles, wanted people etc.

"This means now whenever we are in the air we are actively protecting our communities. It's all about targeting criminals and criminal activities and making our communities safe."