Karachi police are set to enhance the Community Policing Karachi (CPK) project by integrating Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras into police mobile units. This initiative will allow real-time vehicle identification and tracking to bolster community safety and efficiently handle vehicle-related crimes.
Community Police Karachi Chief and social activist Murad Soni has confirmed that ANPR cameras have already been installed at strategic locations across Karachi, including Defence, New Sabzi Mandi, Azizabad, and Soldier Bazaar, covering 16 police stations. The upcoming phase will see these high-tech cameras installed in 50 police mobiles, strategically timed before Ramadan.
The ANPR system is designed to deliver instant alerts about stolen vehicles and integrates seamlessly with the Talash app. This app enables police officers to conduct fingerprint scans to verify suspects’ identities against criminal records nationwide. Upon detecting a vehicle, each camera can identify within 30 seconds if it is stolen by cross-referencing the registration details with existing law enforcement databases.
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When an ANPR camera captures a number plate, it not only displays the phone number of the vehicle’s registered owner but also checks this against records to determine if the vehicle is stolen. Officers receive immediate notifications through an audible alert if a match is found. The system’s data is also linked with the Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell (AVLC) to enhance real-time reporting and crime tracking.
The deployment of ANPR cameras in police mobiles is anticipated to drastically reduce vehicle theft and snatching incidents in Karachi, ensuring a safer environment for the community. This technological advancement marks a significant step in modernizing Karachi’s police force and community policing efforts.
