Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is geared to choke crime in the Midlands. A collaboration employing the technological strengths of SACAN TrackBox and SNIPR, spearheaded by local powerhouse Debbie Preston (founder of uMngeni Community Security Initiative NPC or UCSI) has the full endorsement of both KZN’s MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda and our Umngeni Mayor, Sizwe Sokhela. The Mayor is particularly eager to heighten safety at the Howick Falls precinct and Goddard Park as this is an area that attracts international tourism.The current target is to place 26 cameras focussed on access and egress points in the uMngeni area as soon as possible. The bigger Hilton businesses, who have already been approached, are massively supportive and this area is set to have seven cameras installed in a short time. Some existing SNIPR enabled cameras in the outlying areas are already feeding live through to the UCSI NPC system. To ensure longevity, growth and maintenance of this initiative – private residents are invited to contribute from as little as R30.00 per month, with businesses, schools, shopping centres and other such entities being encouraged to contribute as little as R300.00 per month (depending on size), to be affiliated to the UCSI NPC and benefit for this local crime prevention network. Visit www.ucsi.org.za to find out how.
The Greater Ambers (Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, Amber Lee, Amber Lakes), Amberglen and Yard 41 celebrated the installation of their gantry with SNIPR cameras mounted on Monday, 11 March, when more than 60 people turned up to celebrate.
On Tuesday, 12 March Debbie Preston addressed a gathering at Howick High School highlighting progress to date and she shared that a similar project has been set up in the Boston, Bulwer and Underberg area where, because of these cameras being used, crime has reduced notably.
Pictured L-R; Debbie Preston and Stanley van der Merwe