Boost to Met’s vehicle recovery capability

The Metropolitan Police Service has installed a new software system to help tackle an increase in the number of vehicles seized in the nation’s capital.

The Met’s Vehicle Recovery and Examination Service (VRES) is using the Easy Link Vehicle Information System for Vehicle Recovery (ELVIS-VR) to support it in dealing more efficiently with unlicensed and untaxed vehicles, and those used in crime or involved in collisions.

“The unit processes almost 10,000 vehicles every year. This software allows us to seamlessly link seized vehicles with those who wish to purposely flout the law,” said a spokesperson for the Met.

The system works by recording all information about a vehicle’s removal and the nature of its disposal in real time. It will also be used to assist the Met in crime pattern analysis by highlighting any links between vehicles and criminals and reduce the time taken to reunite vehicles with their owners.

“Using the software is helping to streamline our business processes, allowing staff to manage information about vehicles seized by police across the multiple vehicle pound sites,” said Steve Ditchburn, head of VRES.

“Every vehicle seized related to a crime detected or a potential crime prevented. The new software will improve the effectiveness of the unit.”