CROOKS and dodgy drviers will be targeted by new cameras at Essex hotspots.

Essex Police is spending £375,000 over the next two years putting permanent automatic number plate recognitions cameras up on Essex roads.

The locations are being kept secret to stop those breaking the law avoiding certain roads.

ANPR cameras, as they are better known, can read thousands of number plates every hour.

The plates are then put through a database which can check whether the car is stolen, insured, taxed or has a valid MOT. If not it sends an alert.

The money could purchase as many as 25 permanent cameras with more possible depending on support by Essex County Council.

The force is spending £125,000 in 2014/15 and £250,000 the following year.