QUICK-thinking police officers located a wanted criminal thanks to the latest technology.
Officers Andy Steventon and Craig Purcell were in Ettington when they spotted a man who they thought was acting suspiciously and trying to avoid them.
The pair used a new police smartphone to search for the man, who they say had a distinctive appearance and tattoos.
And after trawling through photographs of those matching his description they located him – and found there was a warrant for his arrest.
The man, who is not from the area, had been arrested more than 60 times previously for various offences including theft, robbery and possession of offensive weapons.
The current warrant had been issued by Cardiff Magistrates when he failed to appear at court following a charge under the Public Order Act.
PC Purcell said: “When we knocked the door to arrest him he gave a false name.
“Without the new police mobile and a bit of gut instinct, we would never have known who this guy was and been able to arrest him.
“If this is what the new mobiles can help us do then wait until we get the new laptops.”
The man appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on June 12 and was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment.
