New police CCTV van in Plymouth aims to improve safety

Police have acquired a new CCTV van in an effort to improve public safety in Plymouth.

The van has two high-definition 360-degree cameras that can be set to a height of 8m (26ft) and can capture activity up to 6.2 miles (10km) away from the van, police said.

Supt Emma Butler-Jones said the van would help collect evidence and "tackle crime before it happens".

Devon and Cornwall Police said the van was bought using Home Office funding.

Police said it was part of a strategy aimed at deterring people from committing crime and giving people a greater sense of safety and reassurance.

It said officers would use the CCTV van in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and crime, particularly those involving violence against women and girls.

It will operate during the day and night to record and monitor activity in the area in real time, the force said.

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