A POLICE cycle unit has secured its first arrest using new technology attached to their body.
The advanced cycle team in Southend used body-worn video cameras - or ‘Carmacams’ to film a thief.
Officers were called to a shop in Eastern Esplanade on Tuesday, October 5, at 5pm, following reports that a man had stolen some alcohol.
The 24-year-old, from London, was arrested on suspicion of theft and later paid an £80 fixed penalty fine.
PC Daren Chambers said: “Initially, the man denied the offence and being in the shop, but after seeing the recording which proved he was at the location, he admitted the offence and accepted the fine.”
There are 82 Carmacams currently in action.
The gadgets clip onto officers’ protective vests and when activated, record both sound and visuals which can later be used as evidence in court.
Essex Police, Essex County Council and some of the county’s district and borough councils and community safety partnerships have funded the cameras.
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