You can run but you can’t hide: Costa fugitives on the big screen
SUSPECTED murderer Derek Mcgraw Ferguson is among 18 wanted criminals whose faces will be displayed on a digital screen which will be driven around popular expat areas in Spain.
Charity Crimestoppers and the National Crime Agency (NCA) are using the tactic for the first time in an attempt to flush out suspects thought to be hiding in areas such as Benidorm, Malaga and Puerto Banus.
Ferguson, from Glasgow, is being sought in connection with the murder of Thomas Cameron in 2007 at the Auchinairn Tavern, Bishopbriggs.
The 13ft high screen attached to the back of a van broadcasts the faces of the 18 men who are being sought in connection with a range of alleged crimes including rape, drug trafficking and murder.
It is touring areas with large
“We’ve caught 68 out of 86 fugitives on the list” Steve Reynolds, Nat. Crime Agency
British contingents and parking outside nightclubs, bars, supermarkets and restaurants.
The campaign is part of Operation Captura, which targets British fugitives believed to be hiding among expat communities in the Spanish Costas.
So far, 68 out of 86 wanted individuals have been apprehended.
Roger Critchell, director of operations for Crimestoppers, added: “This is something that we have never done before but we believe that broadcasting these fugitives’ faces right in their backyards will not only encourage the public to speak up, but show these individuals that there really is nowhere to hide.
“There will be no avoiding the faces on this screen – they will be broadcast in all the popular expat areas.
“I would urge anyone who recognises any of those faces to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
“We don’t take personal details and you won’t have to give a statement or go to court.
“Many of these fugitives are currently living a life of leisure funded by serious crime. They cannot be allowed to hide forever – they must be brought to justice.
“Do the right thing and help us find them.”
Captura, an initiative between Crimestoppers, the NCA and Spanish authorities, is in its ninth year.
NCA deputy director Steve Reynolds said: “We’ve caught 68 out of 86 fugitives on the Captura list and the rest know we won’t stop until we catch them too.
“By taking our campaign directly into Spanish communities where we believe they are living and socialising, their lives will become even more uncomfortable.
“We want British expats and locals to help us by being extra eyes and ears and telling us what they know.”
He warned associates of the fugitives who help them evade capture that they could be prosecuted.
“Anyone who is helping them stay on the run, such as girlfriends, wives, family members back home, or criminal associates, should know that assisting them is an offence too,” said Mr Reynolds.
“There may also be people in the UK with vital information on the whereabouts of these fugitives and we would urge them to get in touch.”
Lord Ashcroft, founder of Crimestoppers, said that Operation Captura has been a “huge success”.
He added: “However, there are still a number of criminals who are evading arrest. We must ensure these individuals are brought to justice.”