Hockley shoplifter caught through facial recognition technology

Police officers linked Anthony Reid's face to two shoplifting incidents in Spa Road, Hockley

A repeat shoplifter will have his location tracked after being caught using facial recognition.

Essex Police officers linked Anthonys Reid to two shoplifting incidents at a premises in Spa Road, Hockley.

The 54-year-old, of Dalston Lane, London, was responsible for stealing £160 worth of goods.

Ch Insp Paul Hogben, Castle Point district commander, said officers had been "innovative" in catching Reid.

The shoplifter was captured on CCTV and an image of his face was run through the Police National Database.

After a positive match, Reid was arrested on Monday and admitted two offences of theft at Southend Magistrates' Court the next day.

He was told that his whereabouts would be tracked as part of a 13-week community order, which also required him to compensate the shop owner.

Ch Insp Hogben said he is "determined" to tackle shoplifting across Castle Point and Rochford.

"We are an innovative police force and where technology is available to us, we will not hesitate to use it to identify offenders."

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp [phone]