(Achived
News)
WINNIPEG POLICE SERVICE
Media
Release Tuesday, February, 26th, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
Automatic Licence
Plate Recognition (ALPR) Information Sheet
The Winnipeg Police
Service is equipped with a new high-tech tool to assist in the
fight against auto theft. The Automatic Licence Plate Recognition
system (ALPR) is operational and being deployed within Winnipeg
by the Stolen Auto Unit. The ALPR system is installed in an unmarked
police unit and is capable of running more than 1,000 licence plates
per hour. Infrared and colour cameras scan the field of view in
order to make licence plate recognitions. Once a plate is recognized,
photos of the plate and vehicle are automatically taken. The plate
is then compared against the databases of stolen vehicles or other
vehicles of interest to police. If the plate is a match, the operator
is alerted by an audible alarm. The primary function of the ALPR
system is to detect stolen vehicles. Other licence plates of interest
are also entered into the on-board computer. Examples include suspect
vehicles from robberies or other incidents such as Amber Alerts.
The system also has the capability to be used for other projects
such as the detection of prohibited/suspended drivers. With Mayor
Katz¹s
support, funding for the ALPR system was granted by Council through
an addition to the 2007 Operating Budget. This followed a presentation
to Executive Policy Committee regarding Winnipeg Police auto theft
initiatives and the Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy (WATSS).
The contract was put out to tender and Blue Max Lighting, the Canadian
distributor for Appian Technology, was the successful bidder. Appian
is based in the United Kingdom and they are among the world leaders
in ALPR technology. The total cost of the ALPR system and related
costs is approximately $48,000.00 CDN.
Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression
Strategy (WATSS)
The Winnipeg Police Service is partnered
with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Manitoba Justice (Youth
Correctional Services and Prosecutions) in the Winnipeg Auto Theft
Suppression Strategy (WATSS). This project was initiated in 2005
with the goal of reducing auto theft in Winnipeg committed by youth
offenders. The youth are divided into four risk categories ranging
from Level 1 (At Risk Youth) to Level 4 (High Risk Offenders).
The WATSS initiative is funded directly by MPI. The Winnipeg Police
Stolen Auto Unit is heavily involved in the WATSS initiative and
receives an invaluable amount of assistance from Uniform Patrol
members in the Districts. The Stolen Auto Unit consists of 14 members
and the primary focus is on the suppression of the highest risk
offenders (Level 4) and the detection of new offences. These offenders
have shown a reckless disregard for the safety of others while
operating stolen vehicles and represent a significant risk to the
public. The ALPR will give police the opportunity to enhance the
proactive components of the Auto Theft Strategy.
Recent Statistics
In
2007, auto theft in Winnipeg was
reduced by 27% (Source: Crime Stat). This amounts to over 2,400
fewer stolen vehicles being driven on city streets and most importantly
improves public safety. Since the initiation of the Auto Theft
Strategy in 2005, auto theft has declined by approximately 40%.
Auto theft in Winnipeg reached a 7-year low in 2007 and reductions
have occurred during the past 16 consecutive months compared to
the previous year. Auto theft is down approximately 37% in 2008
compared to the same time period in 2007. Auto theft continues
to present a significant problem and the Winnipeg Police Service
is committed to creating further reductions in order to improve
public safety and protect property |
