Security technology company Forecourt Eye has taken part in a “multi-force” police operation to help apprehend a team of criminals engaging in organised fuel theft from forecourts across Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
The operation took place between 26 March and 2 April, and saw Forecourt Eye create a bespoke live-feed link between its ANPR systems and police computers to help officers track down “a group of individuals believed to be responsible for a significant volume of fuel thefts across the region”.
While the operation’s ongoing status means limited details can be shared, Forecourt Eye fine-tuned its systems to help facilitate the operation, enacting faster data-processing procedures, streamlining its identification of repeat offenders, and putting formal data-sharing agreements in place so officers on the ground could make use of real-time intelligence gathered by the firm.
Filling stations not covered by ANPR, meanwhile, made use of an ”instant notification system” Forecourt Eye worked on, meaning information could be swiftly shared from these sites, and ”no location within the operation’s scope was without intelligence coverage”.
Detective Inspector James Williams Hertfordshire Police commented: “Modern investigative techniques rely on a partnership approach, utilising new technology to get the best outcome for victims and this operation is a good example of this.”
DI Williams added: “Working closely with Forecourt Eye throughout the investigation has meant we have been able to expand our reach, identifying and proactively pursuing suspects. Police will continue to work alongside Forecourt Eye as the cases progress”.
Michelle Henchoz, Forecourt Eye’s managing director, said the project demonstrates “what can be achieved when technology providers and law enforcement work together”, adding: “Our team moved quickly to adapt our systems and provide additional support where it was needed most, helping officers identify repeat offenders and act at pace in real time”.
The firm previously reported that rising pump prices had seen a surge in fuel theft from forecourts across the UK.
