Police are using videos filmed on cyclists’ head-cams as evidence to piece together details of crimes, The Argus can reveal.
In July, roads policing units across Sussex used two such videos to investi- gate “road-related” incidents, believed to involve cars either crashing into or cutting up cyclists.
A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “Footage and photographs are often passed to Sussex Police by members of the public who witness incidents.
“In early July two road-related incidents were recorded by members of the public on bicycle helmet cameras.
“The footage from these incidents was handed to police and has been helpful for officers to piece together details of the incidents.
“As technology improves, the ways in which Sussex Police receives witness accounts of incidents is always evolving.
“This is reflected in these two incidents in which we received footage from bicycle helmet cameras to help inform our investigations.
“Anyone who witnesses a crime should call Sussex Police but we would encourage people not to put themselves in any danger taking any photographs or video footage.”
Tony Green, of city-based cycling campaign group Bricycles, said he was pleased Sussex Police were taking reports from cyclists’ head-cams seriously.
He added increasing numbers of cyclists were wearing head-cams, which can cost up to £500. He said: “I think it is really helpful.
“Whatever the incident is, it is good to have it on film. I know a couple of people who use them on the way to work.
“I get cut up occasionally and I have considered using a cycle cam.
“If a motorist has done something possibly harmful it is evidence and it should be treated as such.
“It is only recently police have started to take such evidence seriously; previously I think they would have dismissed it.
“But people are still getting cut up in Brighton. Things are improving but slowly.”
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