Cracking camera
Coppers have released an image of an unknown man taken by one of Google's controversial Street View cars in a bid to solve the crime of a stolen caravan in Derbyshire.
The photo is believed to have been taken at around the same time when an Abbey Adventura caravan went walkies from outside a house in Linton, Derbyshire in the summer of 2009, The Press Association reported.
The story goes that the caravan's irate owner checked out Google this year and spotted a man parked in his driveway. The police reportedly believe the photo could have been taken by a passing Google Street View Car shortly before the theft took place between 9.30 and 14.00 on 5 June 2009.
Derbyshire Police are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man as their forensic evidence failed to shed any light on the crime, despite the fact wheel clamps securing the vehicle were left behind by the crooks.
PC Adrian Mason, who is investigating the crime, reportedly said the victim of the theft does not recognise the man.
"It was an amazing coincidence that the Google Earth car was passing at that time. I've made extensive inquiries since the image was discovered but because the registration plate of the 4x4 is blanked out we have been unable to trace the man through his car. That is why we are appealing for the public's help," he reportedly added.
Google will no doubt be thrilled to be the ‘good guy' again after its Street View practices were recently found to have ‘significantly breached' UK Data Protection Law after it ‘accidently' collected a load of data from individuals' unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Here is the Street View image of the stolen caravan, courtesy of the BBC.
