The increase in crime has prompted many communities to take a more proactive stance regarding their local security requirements. License Plate Recognition technology cameras, which were erected at the end of last year is already paying dividends.

According to Wahl Bartmann, CEO for Fidelity Services Group, the cameras picked up a vehicle at Southgate Mall on the morning of 18 January. When the teams responded, it was found that the vehicle was wanted in a number of armed robberies and murder cases in the Lenasia South district. Fidelity’s Specialist Intervention Unit responded using the Mall’s cameras to track the four suspects. “Together with the support of the Mondeor police, all four suspects were successfully apprehended and handed over to the Lenasia South police station where the cases are open.” Bartmann says, once fingerprints were taken it was revealed that the driver of the vehicle was also allegedly connected to a number of housebreak incidents in the area.

“This is the second successful apprehension we have had in January already,” says Bartmann. The first occurred on 15 January where a vehicle was picked up by the cameras travelling from Rosettenville towards Alberton. With the support of the Guardian Angels, the vehicle was stopped and the two suspects were detained and handed over with the VW Polo to Alberton SAPS.

“License plate recognition technology ensures world-class technology and data privacy which allows us to manage footage responsibly and better integrate analytics on flagged crime incidents across cameras. We believe that the introduction of additional resources and technology to displace crime is beneficial and will enable Fidelity to deliver an optimal service to our customers as already demonstrated this month,” concludes Bartmann.