171 Vehicles Stopped In PSNI 'Day Of Proactive Policing'

A total of 171 vehicles were stopped and searched as a result of ANPR technology on a dedicated 'day of proactive policing' on Friday, 16 June.

The day, known as Op Subreference, resulted in 30 key arrests and included focused use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to tackle crime and locate wanted people.

Assisting in the operation was Road Policing Interceptor vehicles which contain technology which allows officers to detect and disrupt criminals using Northern Ireland's road network.

The vehicle stops resulted in the seizure of drugs with a combined worth of £94,720.

In addition to this work, the operation also built on ongoing work with partner organisations, including HMRC. This resulted in seizures of illicit cigarettes, tobacco and fuel, including in Newry Mourne and Down, Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon, Mid Ulster and Fermanagh and Omagh.

Commenting on the day's activity, Superintendent Chris Hamill said: "This operation was an opportunity for us, as police officers and also staff, to focus on our strengths. By working together across our districts and departments, alongside partner organisations, we were able to highlight our everyday work to disrupt crime, make arrests and keep our communities safer.

"We wanted to select a day and report the outcomes to the public in this way to reassure that, despite the well-documented budgetary pressures facing the service, we are unwavering in our work to protect communities from criminality."

Another key element was to work on improving road safety across Northern Ireland. Officers set up 94 vehicle checkpoints and conducted 55 preliminary breath tests on the day.

Superintendent Hamill said: "With road deaths increasing, we know the devastating impact on families who have lost a loved one. We are keen to take every opportunity to make our roads safer and part of this is highlighting the danger of speeding.

"Our officers were out conducting 40 speed checks across Belfast, Derry and surrounding Districts including on some of the most notoriously dangerous roads across Northern Ireland. Approximately 70 senior officers and police staff members joined our front line resources in the Operation.

"But this was just one day in policing to highlight. Every day, we are working to keep people safe by providing a visible, accessible, responsive and community-focused police service."