AN advanced X-ray body scanner has prevented illegal items, including drugs, tobacco, and mobile phones, entering HMP Berwyn within just one month of being installed.

The innovative equipment being rolled out across England and Wales is part of the Government’s bold £100 million package to boost security in prisons and crack down on crime behind bars.

The technology, developed specifically for the Prison Service, allows staff to see instantly whether prisoners are attempting to smuggle in contraband.

The illegal items detected would have been destined for the prison wings, fuelling the illicit economy and potential violence.

An additional 22 prisons have had the game-changing equipment installed in the last six months, meaning 51 prisons across England and Wales now have the technology, which has collectively already stopped more than 3,500 illegal items from getting into the hands of prisoners.

Prisons Minister Alex Chalk MP said: “The new technology is having a hugely positive impact, stemming the flow of contraband into jails and allowing staff to focus on rehabilitation.

“The scanners form part of our wider aim to transform prisons, stepping up security to cut crime and ultimately better protecting the public.”

HMP Berwyn Governor Nick leader said: “The X-ray body scanner is proving to be hugely successful and is a great resource in reducing illicit items entering HMP Berwyn.”

The cutting-edge technology is being installed at prisons identified as most at risk of smuggling.

It was funded by the Government’s £2.75 billion commitment to transform the prison estate.

This includes £100 million to bolster prison security, clamping down on the weapons, drugs and mobile phones that fuel violence, self-harm and crime behind bars and £2.5 billion to provide 10,000 additional prison places and create modern, efficient jails that rehabilitate offenders, reduce reoffending and keep the public safe.

it also includes £156 million to tackle the most pressing maintenance issues to create safe and decent conditions for offender rehabilitation.