Ever heard the phrase finding a needle in a haystack? That’s the problem police in Lancashire have trying to track criminals down in rural areas, and now they’ve found a brand new way to track them down.
After receiving funding by the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Lancashire police force now have access to a thermal imaging camera, allowing them to detect body heat in rural areas. This will help greatly with tracking down criminals hiding in rural areas, as the thermal output of a human body can be seen clearly through darkness, foliage and more by using a thermal camera.
Since thermal cameras work with infrared radiation rather than light, this essentially allows the police to use them in all conditions as a useful method of detecting heat signatures.
Thermal cameras are more commonly used by the police in helicopter installations. Police choppers are regularly deployed to give support to ground forces from the air and combining this technology together with that of the ground police means criminals can be detected more efficiently than ever before.
Sgt Mick Dixon said: “The camera allows us to detect body heat so there is nowhere for criminals to hide.
“It is a welcome addition to the tactics we already use on a day to day basis to deter would be thieves and catch offenders. It will work in connection with FarmWatch, which will hopefully increase confidence and reassure members of the rural community.
“I urge residents to work with the police to combat rural crime. Anyone with information or concerns about suspicious behaviour should contact police immediately.”
Chief Inspector Julian Platt added: “This is a good example of where officers are working smarter and being innovative to secure funding for equipment we simply would not normally be able to afford. This camera will increase our chances of catching rural offenders who make off from the police in rural locations.”
