Automatic number plate recognition cameras are being rolled out across the Sunshine Coast.
The cameras will check thousands of registration plates a day, giving police automatic alerts if drivers are wanted or vehicles have been reported stolen.
Superintendent Craig Hawkins and State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt announced the dispersal of the cameras last week.
“These cameras have automatic number plate recognition that can detect stolen vehicles and other vehicles of interest and send an immediate alert to police to advise where that vehicle is,” Supt Hawkins said.
The cameras will be spread around the region, scanning every registration plate that passes.
Police can check anything from drivers’ history to whether the number plates match types of cars, in a bid to crack down on stolen cars and criminals heading into the suburbs to commit offences.
“We know that stolen vehicles, particularly from outside the district, have come in at different times and caused crime sprees,” Supt Hawkins said.
“If it is stolen, we will have the alert and we will be putting resources to where that vehicle is detected.”
Mr Hunt said the cameras would make a difference.
“These cameras are great news for community safety in Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast more broadly, meaning if someone is heading into Caloundra to commit a crime, the new cameras can alert police to their presence before they can do so,” he said.
“We know that a lot of break-ins around Caloundra are imported up the Bruce Highway, so I’m delighted to see the cameras rolling out across the Coast.”
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