LANCASHIRE police are bidding for a share of a £15million government windfall to increase the use of number plate reading technology.

Since ANPR was first used in the county in June 2003 it has become a key weapon in the fight against crime.

Police say it has since been responsible for the arrest of 70 persistent offenders, 181 drivers being disqualified and the recovery of stolen vehicles worth £350,000, £10,000 of drugs and £90,000 of stolen property.

The government has released £15million to expand the scheme and Lancashire Constabulary has confirmed it will be seeking some of the cash. Chief Inspector Tracie O'Gara, head of road policing for the force, said; "ANPR is a vital tool that improves our ability to enforce the law, prevent crime and detector offenders."