A 67-year-old pensioner is under investigation for allegedly chopping down three new infra-red speed cameras with an angle rider, as reported by Greater Manchester Police. The arrest stems from reports of two individuals seen cutting down a speed camera on Warrington Road, Wigan.
Days after this incident, two additional Wigan VECTOR-SR safety cameras were toppled at Wigan Pier and Kitt Green suburb. GMP Wigan West shared on social media: "On Saturday, January 6, officers on routine patrol located two men cutting down a new speed camera with an angle grinder on Warrington Road, Wigan."
"After a short foot pursuit one male was detained. The 67-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and has since been released on bail."
"There have been a series of speed cameras cut down across the district over the Christmas period, so this is an excellent result for our team."
In November, it was disclosed that Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) had entered into an agreement with Jenoptik UK to upgrade numerous cameras in the region to the VECTOR-SR, utilizing infra-red technology. This state-of-the-art technology has the capability to capture motorists speeding in both directions simultaneously, without the need for road markings. The use of infra-red eliminates the flash, leaving drivers unaware at the moment of detection.
