A city-watch solution to help curb crime
Apcan has partnered with Vumacam to bring a modern security system to the residents of Krugersdorp.
So you are driving down Voortrekker Road and spot these weird shaped poles along the way. What can these things possibly be?
Apcan Armed Response, in partnership with Vumacam, is bringing a not-so-unique service to the residents of Krugersdorp.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/379189/thursday-security-group-vows-to-help-protect-local-journalists/
Natacha Cunningham, from Vumacam’s marketing and communications department, explained that Vumacam had realised that there is a multitude of CCTV solutions already in existence. However, they are often not connected, and there are uncovered areas where (for instance) vehicles of interest can not be tracked.
“Furthermore, these solutions are often unmanaged, not maintained and there is often no awareness of whether the system is down until footage is required. They are also often on unstable connections, resulting in inconsistent feed,” she explained.
The increase in fibre networks presented a solution to these problems and Vumacam came up with a plan.
“Vumacam envisioned a city-watch solution that would encourage security companies and communities to work together on a common platform, sharing information between areas,” she said.
The Vumacam cameras can scan as many as 480 vehicle licence plates per minute. These number plates are then checked against police, community and security databases to see if there are any stolen or suspicious number plates among them.
If a number plate is registered on one of these databases, the relevant security company or police can be informed and the appropriate action can be taken.
A letter sent out by Apcan states that the company has a serious approach to the community’s security and protection.
“Apcan has committed to and invested in numerous cameras on the West Rand. This falls in line with our mission to enhance pro-active measurements to protect and secure,” the letter stated.
It explains that the software has the capability to analyse irregularities and movements that are out of the ordinary, and can also place alerts from other neighbourhoods.
The cameras will be monitored at the control room in Florida and if needed, vehicles will be deployed from there.
The Krugersdorp Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Piet Sparks also sent out a letter stating that the CPF supports this initiative.
“We believe that this additional layer of security will aid in proactive surveillance and assist in the reduction of criminal activities in the area. Furthermore, this will also help improve investigations and support local authorities,” claimed the letter.
Although this new technology is exciting, there are those who have doubts and questions. In the next few weeks, the News will try to answer as many questions as possible in order to set the community’s minds at rest.
Members of the community who have questions about the system are invited to submit their concerns by email to natashap@caxton.co.za for clarification in our follow-up articles.
