POLICE officers operating an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system have arrested more than 400 people this year - breaking their target.

The ANPR unit has also seized more than £200,000 worth of drugs and stolen property.

The system flags up passing vehicles which have recorded links to crimes and motoring offences.

In North Yorkshire, a dedicated unit was set up in June 2003 to operate the system. It consists of a sergeant, a police constable and a support staff ANPR controller working from a van at a set location.

Vehicles that are flagged up by the system are then intercepted by officers in patrol cars or motorcycles.

The unit was set a target of 360 arrests this year.

So far, the system has led to 67 arrests for theft or burglary, 75 arrests for disqualified driving or drink-driving, 25 arrests for drug-related offences, 28 arrests for theft of or from a vehicle.

Twenty seven people were arrested for being wanted on warrants and 104 people were arrested for either giving a false name or failing to prove their identity.

In addition, 321 uninsured motor vehicles have been seized, 457 fixed penalty notices issued, and 471 people reported for summons.

The team has also recovered stolen property and drugs with an estimated value of £202,692.

Inspector Ian Wills said the total number of arrests would rise as operations continue throughout this month.

He said: "North Yorkshire Police formed a dedicated ANPR Unit in June 2003.

"Since that time the unit has gone from strength to strength and is making a significant contribution to making North Yorkshire a safer place to live by denying criminals the use of the roads."

Detective Superintendent Kevin Doyle, the head of tactical operations, said there will be no let-up in North Yorkshire Police's use of ANPR.

"The case that ANPR technology can make a significant difference to the detection and prevention of crime is well proven," he said.

"North Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling travelling criminality, particularly those who come into our county to commit crime.

"ANPR is a vital tool that helps us target these travelling criminals."