Tech Triumph as Croydon Police Nab 10 in Facial Recognition Crackdown
Police in Croydon have smashed crime using cutting-edge Live Facial Recognition (LFR) tech, alongside boots on the ground from the Territorial Support Group (TSG). The high-tech tool was deployed amid a wider operation targeting violence, including attacks on women and girls.
22 Alerts Lead to 10 Arrests
The LFR system fired off 22 alerts, resulting in 10 arrests. Charges include threats to kill, recall to prison for robbery, and weapons possession. Officers also stopped eight people subject to sexual prevention orders to check compliance, plus four others with court-imposed conditions. Notably, there were no false alarms.
How The Tech Works
The facial recognition gadget scans faces against a police watchlist and triggers an alert for officers to review. If a match is confirmed, the suspect can be stopped and questioned on the spot.
Other Crime Busted During The Op
In a separate swoop, cops arrested a 24-year-old man in North End found carrying a crossbow and a pocket knife.
Chief Supt Andy Brittain: Community Backing the Effort
“We’ve been speaking to locals and businesses about yesterday’s LFR operation and are chuffed to have their support,” said Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain. “We understand concerns about crime and it’s great to show the tactics we’re using to tackle it. I hope this reassures the community we’re listening and taking action.”
Met’s Lindsey Chiswick Praises Facial Recognition
“Live Facial Recognition is a precise, community-focused crime-fighting tool. It sharpens our approach on robbery and violence against women and girls. The results are impressive – anyone not matching is immediately deleted from the system,” said Lindsey Chiswick, who oversees LFR for the Met.
The Met is building “A New Met for London,” where local officers work with communities to cut crime and anti-social behaviour using proactive technology like facial recognition.
Who Got Busted?
- 32-year-old man arrested for failing to appear at court for shoplifting
- 39-year-old man arrested for court no-show on theft charges
- 54-year-old man recalled to prison for breaching licence tied to robbery
- 41-year-old man wanted for domestic GBH, threats to kill, and assault
- 23-year-old man arrested for failing court on possession of offensive weapon
- 47-year-old man arrested for no-show on counterfeit goods charges
- 46-year-old man wanted over bank fraud
- 51-year-old man arrested for court no-show on theft
- 45-year-old woman arrested for court no-show on theft
- 24-year-old man arrested twice for offensive weapons possession
