Ontario Taking Steps to Prevent Auto Theft in Peterborough, Lakefield


Automated licence plate recognition technology will help fight crime and enhance public safety

For Immediate Release, December 12, 2022

Peterborough — The Ontario government is providing $232,449 to the Peterborough Police Service to fight crime, including auto theft in the City of Peterborough and Village of Lakefield.

The Peterborough Police Service will use the funding to acquire 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.

“Investing in the latest technology strengthens the ability of the Peterborough Police to fight crime on our streets. Officers can quickly and more efficiently identify and act against individuals driving illegally, prevent auto theft, and keep our streets safe,” MPP Dave Smith said. “Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology is yet another tool we’ve equipped our police service with to reduce crime in our community.”

Earlier this year, MPP Dave Smith announced $2.9 million to strengthen and expand the Peterborough Police Services’ Special Victims Unit. This funding enabled advanced training for officers, improve data collection, and hired a major crimes investigator. Additionally, the Peterborough Police Service received a $185,505 grant to purchase and install CCTV technology to improve efforts to combat gun and gang violence in downtown Peterborough.

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.

“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”

QUICK FACTS

• ALPR technology is a system of cameras and supporting software that captures licence plate information and immediately compares plate numbers to a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) database with vehicle and vehicle owner information. It also has the capability of capturing vehicles of interest (e.g., amber alerts, stolen vehicles, suspended driver(s), etc.).

• ALPR technology does not detect moving violations such as speeding, going through a red light or stop sign, and distracted driving.