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Police battle Google for caravan theft images

Posted by Linda Davidson


Derbyshire Police have urged Google to hand over an image that could prove vital in cracking a caravan theft case.


The image in question was captured by a Google Street View camera and shows an unknown man and 4x4 vehicle on the driveway of the Soanes family shortly before their Abbey Adventura caravan was stolen.


Caravan rooflights owners may be shocked to hear that Google has refused to hand over the image, complete with the vehicle registration number, despite pleas from the family and the local police, arguing that it must stick to its strict data protection policies.


South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler said: "I am disappointed that Google's initial reaction is to refuse."


She added that the police can get a court order to obtain the image but it could be seen as a waste of public money when it would be simple for Google to hand over the image.


In November, police released the Street View image of the man and the vehicle but they have been unable to trace him.