The nuts and bolts of Licence Plate Recognition technology

Serious criminals and syndicates often use vehicles when they target a community as this allows them to quickly enter the area, commit a crime and get out again.

This is why it is important for any community wanting to safeguard themselves to take note of the vehicles driving around in the area that do not belong there.

Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras differ from normal cameras by using infrared (IR) LEDs with the specific spectrum reflected by our number plates. These special filters in the camera cut out light from headlights, providing optimum readable plates in day or night conditions. The LPR software has been researched and developed by ADT in partnership with Geovision SA since 2011 and the technology is considered to be the most advanced in the country. Humphrey explains however that most international software systems are not optimised for South African licence plates. “This is why ADT partnered with Geovision SA as their modified software is able to read South African licence plates optimally.”

How does LPR work?

The LPR system captures information from licence plates as the vehicles drive past the camera. The image of the licence plate number is then converted to text by the system and sent through to a central location where it can be checked against various databases.

“LPR cameras are designed to capture the licence plates of vehicles which drive past, not pedestrians and other activity,” stresses Humphrey. “The cameras are linked to a SAPS list of confirmed suspicious or stolen vehicles and should a suspicious vehicle enter the area and be captured by the LPR camera this is flagged in our Community Control Centre and escalated to the SAPS, our own ADT Officers and community security resources in the area for investigation.”

What happens when the LPR system flags a suspicious vehicle?

The ADT LPR database is built up from various sources including the SAPS confirmed wanted vehicles, community forums and other sources available to ADT. Operators in the ADT Community Control Centre manage the database which is uploaded into the LPR software system.

If a vehicle-of-interest is picked up by the system, the control centre operators as well as patrollers receive an alert and an email with the relevant information.

• The operators confirm that the licence plate was read correctly by comparing the attached image to the information.
• Once confirmed, the ADT patrol or response vehicle, the community patrollers and the SAPS are informed to be on the look-out for the vehicle in the area.
• Meanwhile the operator also checks the list for additional information related to the vehicle.

Positive results

Linden is the first suburb in Johannesburg to receive LPR technology and nine of these cameras have already been erected in the suburb. ADT’s intention is to install a camera at each entry point into Greater Linden.

“We are excited to report that since the cameras have been installed we have seen a reduction in criminal activity in the area. Linden is the only suburb in this SAPS precinct that showed a positive reduction in crime over December 2013 and January, this year, in comparison to December 2012 and January 2013,” says Humphrey.

“As this is a suburb solution which is not limited to ADT clients only, we call on all residents to contribute towards the LPR project. For a nominal fee, you will be making a big difference to the safety of your suburb. Thank you to all those residents who are already contributing. To sign up or to get more information on the LPR initiative, contact rharesign.jhb.za@adt.co.za“