Niagara Police given $1.9 million by Province to fight car theft
Published November 23, 2022 at 12:52 pm
The Ontario government is giving the Niagara Police a cheque for over $1.9 million to help combat car theft in the region.
The police will use the $1,956,419 in funding to enhance Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology – a system that consists of cameras that automatically scan licence plates.
The system is installed in or on active-duty police cruisers and alerts officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.
“This upgraded technology will help the Niagara Regional Police Service address growing rates of auto theft and related criminal activity across the region,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
“We are getting the job done by fighting crime and keeping streets safe. It’s what the families of Niagara deserve.”
Niagara Police Chief Bryan MacCulloch was pleased by the announcement, thanking the Province for their commitment to “safer roads and a safer Niagara.”
“These funds will enhance the already successful NRPS ALPR program,” said MacCulloch, “which has demonstrated that this advanced technology can assist law enforcement in preventing and solving crime, while protecting the privacy of the citizens and visitors of Niagara.”
The Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology Grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.