INTELLIGENCE: APU tackle crime on Merseyside
Private motor anti-fraud team Asset Protection Unit (APU) are set to share intelligence with Merseyside Police in an effort to tackle organised crime.
The information sharing agreement encompasses a number of organisations, which will work within a legal framework to facilitate the seamless transfer of information.
Set up originally to protect the vehicle fleet assets of the Automotive and Insurance Solutions Group (AIS), APU’s contribution will focus on motor fraud activity.
However, intelligence relevant to other crimes will be shared when necessary, while adhering to data protection principles and compliance guidelines.
Neil Thomas, Director of Investigative Services at APU, said: “We are in a prime position to help police forces across the country to identify motor-related fraud so it made sense to formalise our partnership with Merseyside.
“We use bespoke forensic techniques and cutting-edge analytical technology to monitor a large fleet of vehicles which have, at times, been used for criminal activity; the agreement, in which we can seamlessly share intelligence about such activity, is intended to identify crimes more quickly by working together.
“It’s a breakthrough agreement to some extent and we hope to be able to help other forces in a similar way.”
