Images of suspects wanted by police for offences will be broadcast in a town centre from today.

Digital screens based in the Orchards Shopping Centre and Priory Shopping Centre in Dartford will show rolling images of wanted individuals for a six month period.

Announced last week, the initiative is being run by Kent Police and Crimestoppers and will see faces of a number of different suspects displayed on screens on a rotational basis.

A launch event was held this morning at Orchard Shopping Centre, attended by backers including Chief Inspector for Citizens in Policing, Jason Wenlock, who said: "Kent Police is committed to bringing offenders to justice and we are always looking for new ways to help catch suspects.

"Having screens in a busy area such as a shopping centre will hopefully allow more members of the public to assist us.

"I would urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of individuals they recognise to call us on 101."

The event was also attended by Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, Chair of Crimestoppers in Kent, Peter Rolington and representatives from other partners agencies, including Dartford Borough Council.

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Mr Scott added: "Crimestoppers do fantastic work supporting Kent Police in bringing offenders to justice and screens like these, which my funding helps support, are proven to catch wanted people.

"We are sending a very clear message that Dartford town centre is no place for criminality. This is about residents, businesses, the council and the police all working together to ensure Kent remains a safe place to live, work and visit."

"Having screens in a busy area such as a shopping centre will hopefully allow more members of the public to assist us..." chef insp Jason Wenlock

Peter Rolington, Chair of Crimestoppers in Kent Volunteer Committee, said: “Our independent charity empowers communities to speak up and stop crime. While Kent is a comparatively safe county, there are people at large who are wanted by law enforcement.

“The success of our Most Wanted campaign is down to the public and their willingness to help us protect those they love and the communities they care about. I encourage everyone to check the digital screens and our website and to let us know immediately if you have any information on any of the individuals.

“You can call us on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org/most-wanted. As a charity, we ensure your identity is totally protected - just tell us what you know and we’ll pass it on for you. It could be your information that makes a difference.”

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