You're absolutely right. The thing is that they have access to way better technology--and they're not shy about it. I'm not just talking about their live facial recognition. But also their access to Cleaview AI's database (https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/28/met-police-used-controversial...)

Or just consider what Cressida Dick said (Metropolitan Commissioner) regarding how they should use data: "we absolutely must be in the exploitation business”(https://bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/2020/02/the-guardian-big-brot...)