Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is an extremely effective tool in the detection of persistent evaders as it identifies the associated vehicle by matching the vehicle registration number (VRM) against the VRM held on the ANPR system database.

Where the ANPR team is operating on a mobile basis, the Certificated Enforcement Agents will obtain details of the case associated with that vehicle and then attend the debtor's premises to execute the warrant.

Where the ANPR team is working alongside other enforcement services on a static roadside filter and check operation, the information is passed to the police service and they will decide if the vehicle is to be stopped.

As the major enforcement provider to Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS), Marston Group works on static (ANPR) operations in conjunction with the police and other government agencies. This synergy has allowed us to establish strong working partnerships with police services across the country.

We have:

Case studies:

Marston Group works in partnership with local authorities and the police across the country to assist with local community initiatives. Below are two case studies.

1 - Stockport

As part of Stockport's Community Pride campaign, the Stockport Intensive Partnership Sweep (SIPS) was devised to reduce crime and disorder and create a safer and more accessible Stockport for its residents and visitors.

The partnership between Marston Group, Stockport Council and the local police involved deploying enforcement agents into targeted areas to enforce warrants and utilise Marston Group's ANPR technology. The initiative sent a strong message to citizens that individuals who break the law will be punished.

As a result of his work with SIPS, Darren Connor, Marston Group's north west Operations Manager, was awarded a Chief Constable's special commendation. With over 20 years of experience in the enforcement sector, Darren has been able to utilise his practical knowledge to develop community focussed operations in the North West with the police and other agencies.

2 - Islington

Following complaints received from local residents due to drivers parking illegally in residents' bays, dropping litter and causing 'breaches of the peace', the London Borough of Islington in conjunction with Marston Group devised and implemented a multi agency operation to target mini cab drivers operating without a licence.

The operation focused resources from several enforcement agencies within the council and ensured that maximum impact was achieved in respect of:

  • enforcing outstanding warrants
  • targeting persistent evaders
  • assisting with the seizure of fraudulent Blue Badges

The success of the operation has resulted in similar schemes being replicated in the neighbouring London Boroughs of Haringey and Hackney.

Actions Against Persistent Evaders

Marston Group's dedicated Target and Intelligence Processing Unit (TIPU) supports and co-ordinates enforcement against persistent evaders to ensure that they are found wherever possible.

The TIPU team, all experienced recovery professionals, use a range of databases and also crosscheck details against all records held on our own case management database to confirm that the evader resides at the current/new address, so we can commence enforcement procedures.

Our TIPU Team also assists our agents across the country when deployed on multi agency operations.

The intelligence obtained is also input to our ANPR Operations that are carried out on a daily basis independent and in partnership with police services, local authorities and other partner organisations such as DVLA, VOSA and Benefits Agency.

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