NUMBER plate recognition cameras have been expanded throughout the borough.

The Metropolitan Police in Barnet and Barnet Council have joined forces to expand the number of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras across the borough.

More than 500 convicted thieves and burglars have been uploaded onto the ANPR system and the technology allows police to be alerted when these people reenter the borough, making them easier to identify and track down.

Cllr David Longstaff, who is chairman of the Barnet Safer Communities Partnership, said: “These cameras will help deter and prevent crime involving vehicles, helping to make Barnet safer; and when a crime does occur the ANPR cameras will help the police identify the perpetrator and provide evidence to bring them to justice.”

Burglary in Barnet has reduced by 26 percent over the course of the last year, with around 550 fewer burglaries taking place this year than last year, which is the largest reduction of any London borough.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, Barnet Police Borough Commander said: “We are always looking for innovative ways to prevent burglary - with considerable successes, but there is still a long way to go!”

The cameras are live 24 hours a day and were installed earlier this month, with Cllr Longstaff on hand with Chief Inspector Mark Williamson to mark the occasion.