Northumbria Police use modern technology to make Sunderland violent disorder arrests
Following this week’s action – a total of 66 arrests have now been made.
Police are using facial recognition technology to make new arrests following the violent disorder in Sunderland.
The software is helping officers trace those believed to have taken part in the disgraceful scenes we saw in the city centre back in August.
Across three days this week, arrests have been carried out at addresses across Wearside – with a total of 19 made.
A number of those in handcuffs were identified with the help of facial recognition technology.
And officers are warning those who did take part that it is only a matter of time before they are identified.
They are delivering a clear message: “hand yourself in – before we come knocking on your door”.
During the disorder on August 2, officers were attacked, vehicles, businesses and public buildings damaged and shops looted.
In the wake of the violence a full investigation was launched by Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team.
Following this week’s action – a total of 66 arrests have now been made.
Nineteen people have already pleaded guilty to a range of offences – including a number admitting riot.
Those people have either been sentenced or are awaiting sentence – with almost 40 years’ worth of prison time handed out so far.
A total of 33 people remain on police bail in relation to the investigation.
And police are promising more action.
Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “The scenes which we witnessed in Sunderland were utterly shocking and we remain committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
“To those who believe they have got away with their involvement, our work is very much ongoing, and the net is tightening all the time.
“Our dedicated officers have used the latest technology to help review over 10,000 hours of CCTV footage from the evening of the disorder and are using a number of methods, including facial recognition technology, to identify people we believe played a part.
“These offenders may think that because they wore masks or concealed their faces that we can’t trace them, but they would be mistaken.
“Our message to those involved is clear – hand yourself in before we come knocking on your door.”
He added: “Rest assured, the activity which has taken place this week will not end here.
“The investigation continues and we would ask that anyone who has information which could assist us in bringing more of those responsible to justice do so.”
Anyone who has any information to assist in identifying those responsible should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function and report forms on the Force’s website.
People can also visit the dedicated public portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP24A12-PO1
Alternatively, for those unable to contact police via these ways, call 101.
Members of the public can also provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.