Rural crime cameras from St Merryn to Trekenning keep being hit

They were put up to keep watch over quiet country roads. Now the cameras themselves need watching.

Police are appealing for information after a number of reports of deliberate damage to ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras installed to prevent rural crime in North Cornwall.

Targeted for months

The cameras sit in rural areas between St Merryn and Trekenning. They have been targeted repeatedly over a number of months.

And some have gone missing altogether, stolen outright.

A bill for the taxpayer

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, Head of Roads Policing, said: “It is extremely disappointing that cameras paid for with public money and with the intention of protecting our communities have been deliberately targeted.

“Rural crime has a huge impact in Cornwall and Devon and those affected can no longer go about their daily business.

“Each time a camera is damaged or stolen it is replaced at considerable cost, a bill ultimately picked up by the taxpayer.”

Not speed cameras

Simon was keen to be clear about what the cameras can and cannot do.

“These cameras are not capable of being used for speed enforcement and are not linked to catching speeding motorists, but are to help keep our rural communities safe from crime,” he said.

Seen something?

Anyone with information about the damage is asked to contact police on 101 or via the police website, quoting reference 50260134413.

If a crime is happening at the time, call 999.