Colchester: OpenGate tech deployed to help tackle knife crime

Officers utilised the innovative OpenGate technology in Colchester Saturday 30 September, as we continue our work to tackle knife crime.

The weapons detection technology was deployed in Head Street, Colchester Town Railway Station, and then the bus station.

In total 275 people passed through it with only a handful of people refusing.

While deploying the technology in Head Street, our officers were alerted to an elderly woman who had forgotten her way home. They found her address and made sure she got in ok.

Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle said:

“The OpenGate technology we’re able to deploy is innovative and effective in detecting weapons.
“On this occasion I’m pleased to say no weapons were identified.
“Where someone refuses to go through, we engage with them to talk about the technology and the issue of carrying weapons. This often leads to really productive and educational conversations which was the case yesterday.
“It’s just one of the tools we have at our disposal to tackle knife crime and raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a weapon.”