Helmet-cams help police crack down on crime

A London police unit is tackling anti-social behaviour using small helmet-mounted digital cameras.

Officers in Haringey will use the cameras to gather digital images that can then be used as evidence in the event of court proceedings.

The cameras will first be used as part of the five-day Operation Aventail, which will be carried out by the borough's Safer Neigbourhood unit and focus on anti-social behaviour.

Detective superintendent Richard Wood, head of the operation, said in a statement: "Should anyone commit any offences the officers will instantly have the evidence to hand to help them apply for an ASBO or pursue criminal charges."

Postcards from the bleeding edge…

Read the latest missive from tech guru and silicon.com columnist, Peter Cochrane, as he blogs from around the world.

The cameras are similar in size to an AA battery and the images are stored on a special utility belt. The kit costs around £1,800 per officer and has been funded by the council's Safer Communities Partnership.

DS Wood added that if the cameras prove successful they will be used by other Haringey units and could assist in police raids or police presence at football matches.

The unit is using several other tactics as part of Aventail. These include airport-style weapon searches, automated number plate recognition (to identify stolen vehicles), targeting of crime hotspot areas and an increased visibility of patrols.

Haringey Borough covers several London police stations in Tottenham, Wood Green, Hornsey, St Anns and Muswell Hill.