TECHNOLOGY has become a game changer with the way we interact and communicate with friends and family and the world in general. However, one aspect we may not acknowledge is how technology has become integral to fighting crime. That’s something the Durban North/uMhlanga Community Policing Forum (CPF) is serious about.

The CPF recently partnered with Visec Surveillance Software. Last week the CPF unveiled a dedicated vehicle for the Durban North and uMhlanga area.

The vehicle, fitted with new age technology, will be used to combat crime in the area.

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The vehicle, which is fitted with a camera on the emergency light bar of the vehicle, is a License Plate Recognition system.

According to chairman of the CPF, Haden Searles, the system currently has just short of 1 billion license plates in its database with the aim of flagging vehicle number plates linked to crimes around South Africa.

“This is a community driven project with one goal in mind, to combat crime in the area.”

Visec already has more than 137 ANPR cameras city wide, and the Upper Umhlanga Security Trust (UUST) has also come on board giving the project a green light.

“As the CPF, we are in the process of registering the project with the Durban North police. Our goal in fighting crime is to have open channels of communication and to be able to protect the residents of the area. I feel the vehicle and it’s technology will add value to the north Durban community and will aid the police to help protect the area. I think just as crime evolves, we as security personnel and community members, need to evolve to and embrace new age technology,” he said.

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The CPF is grateful for the donation of 10 ANPR activated cameras for the Durban North and Umhlanga areas, which have been strategically installed at identified high traffic hotspots.

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