Travellers warned AI facial recognition can be at Appleby Fair to catch ‘troublemakers’
Cumbria Police will use live facial recognition technology for the first time at the Appleby Horse Fair, a week-long event which attracts 10,000 Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers to the UK
Appleby Horse Fair is a popular event in the Travelling community
A police chief has warned Travellers attending this year’s Appleby Horse Fair that cutting-edge AI facial recognition technology will be deployed to catch criminals. The alert came from David Allen, Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, following revelations that officers will utilise live facial recognition (LFR) technology at the gathering for the first time.
Senior officials have stated the technology will be employed to “protect the public” at the annual week-long event which sees 10,000 Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers converge on Appleby, in Cumbria.
The move followed complaints from residents that over recent years the atmosphere has grown increasingly turbulent, with some describing it as resembling the “wild west”.
A clip shared on Facebook features David Allen, Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, demonstrating the cutting-edge equipment officers will deploy to maintain order.
In the footage, Commissioner Allen stated: “What I would say to those individuals who come to Appleby who are wanted or they are known to police, this (LFR) will capture you.
He continued: “You might want to think about whether this is the best place for you to be during that week.”
The gathering runs from Thursday June 4 to Wednesday, June 10.
The fair originally commenced in 1685 following a charter granted by King James II.
It draws over 10,000 Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers who participate in horse trading and display. Live facial recognition employs cameras to capture real-time facial images and matches them against a pre-determined watchlist to identify individuals who may be of interest to police.
Prior to each deployment, Cumbria Police will assemble a secure watchlist containing individuals sought by police or the courts, plus those who may present a risk to themselves or others.
Should the technology trigger an alert, officers will examine the camera image alongside the person before them prior to deciding whether to approach them.
All alerts undergo verification by an operator before any intervention by ground officers. The system will exclusively attempt to match those individuals featured on the watchlist. Each watchlist is specific to that particular event where the technology is being utilised.
Those approached will be informed why and provided with an informational leaflet containing contact details.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, gold commander for the fair, said: “We have large crowds and large numbers of people in quite confined spaces – similar to a football match in some respects.”
“The Live Facial Recognition technology will help us to identify the minority who are either intent on causing trouble or here to commit crime.”
“Once we have spotted the potential troublemakers, we will have our officers on the ground able to approach the individual, take them to one side, and speak with them.”What I would say to those individuals who come to Appleby who are wanted or they are known to police, this (LFR) will capture you.
He added: “Every year we are seeking to make the event as safe as we possibly can for all communities who engage with the Fair and I am confident Live Facial Recognition will be an effective tool in 2026 and beyond.”
Cumbria Police stated that the technology aligns with their dedication to utilising every possible resource and innovation to ensure public safety, deter criminal activity, safeguard the vulnerable, and track down the most serious offenders.
