In a bid to tackle the alarming surge in vehicle theft, particularly two-wheelers, law enforcement authorities in Chennai have unveiled a groundbreaking camera technology designed to swiftly verify vehicle ownership.
This innovative system, a pivotal component of the ‘safe city project’, marks a significant investment towards enhancing urban security, with approximately 5,250 cameras slated for installation across the city for 165 crores. The newly introduced portable cameras boast sophisticated capabilities, enabling real-time scanning of vehicle number plates and automatic retrieval of registration details. Leveraging a centralised database housed at the command-and-control centre situated at GCP headquarters in Vepery, this system cross-references the captured data with comprehensive records of stolen vehicles and those implicated in serious offenses. Upon receipt of an alert indicating potential criminal involvement, field-level officers utilise handheld devices to capture images of vehicle operators, seamlessly integrating this data with the police’s Facial Recognition System (FRS). Continuously updated and monitored by the state crime records bureau, the FRS facilitates swift identification and tracking of suspects, particularly those linked to organised criminal activities.
In addition to bolstering vehicle security, these advanced cameras complement existing Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras (ANPR), significantly enhancing the enforcement of traffic regulations. The stringent vigilance and imposition of hefty fines have yielded tangible results, notably reducing road accidents and instances of non-compliance such as helmet-less riding. The deployment of cutting-edge surveillance measures not only strengthens law enforcement capabilities but also fosters a culture of transparency in urban security initiatives. As authorities harness the power of technology to safeguard public assets and ensure community well-being, the path towards a safer and more secure urban landscape is steadily illuminated.
