A SENIOR police officer has left Thurrock to take up a new role.

Chief Insp Paul Moor will head up a specialist Automated Number Plate Recognition team at Essex Police’s Chelmsford headquarters.

The equipment is used in static cameras and squad cars across the county.

The devices scan car number plates and vehicles which are stolen, uninsured or untaxed will be highlighted immediately. The cameras can also help police tell if a motorist driving a car is wanted. Chief Insp Moor, who has 21 years policing experience, joined Thurrock police in March 2009.

He served three years in the post and will be temporarily replace by South Ockendon inspector Richard Baxter.