MORE than 34,000 people were scanned by a live facial recognition technology used by police in Wrexham over the weekend. 

Last week, North Wales Police confirmed that the technology would be used in the city on Saturday (September 7) as Wrexham hosted Shrewsbury Town.

This proactive deployment formed part of matchday policing arrangements for the League One fixture between the two clubs.

Police said locations where the recognition technology was deployed would be clearly marked with signage.

And, as Wrexham comfortably beat their rivals 3-0 in the derby, over 30,000 people were scanned by the technology, police have confirmed.

They added that 11 alerts were generated by the technology, but no arrests were made.

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The aim of the use of the technology was to identify criminals in among the crowd of people in the city, as well as to protect the most vulnerable people in the community.

Police say that the data collected was not 'retained' by them.

A statement from the force read: "North Wales Police deployed Live Facial Recognition technology in Wrexham on Saturday, 7 September 2024.

"This deployment formed part of matchday policing arrangements for the League One fixture between Wrexham AFC and Shrewsbury Town.

"LFR cameras were used to support officers in the identification of persons wanted for priority offences, those wanted on warrant, those unlawfully at large, and those wanted on recall to prison.

"The deployment also sought to promote the safeguarding of vulnerable persons.

"A total of 34,900 faces were scanned, with 11 alerts generated and follow-up enquiries undertaken by officers. No arrests were made.

"No biometric data, or images of faces scanned, were retained by North Wales Police."

North Wales Police added: "If you are not on a watchlist we will never store your biometric data. It is immediately and automatically deleted. In addition, North Wales Police will delete all alerts within 24 hours at the end of the operation. The CCTV footage used by the technology, is recorded, and kept for up to 31 days. If there is an incorrect alert, the information and image will be deleted straight away.

"The use of live facial recognition technology by North Wales Police is designed to be responsible, proportionate, and fair. It aims to keep the public safe, identifying serious offenders and protecting the vulnerable. North Wales Police uses transparency that demonstrates effectiveness, proportionality and compliance with legislation and guidelines when deploying live facial recognition technology."