More Automatic License Plate Readers Popping Up Across South Florida
BROWARD (CBSMiami) – If you've ever driven through Broward County, there's a slight chance that you've been watched.
In parts of northern Broward County, license plates are tracked by computers every time a car passes by. These systems have been in use for several years now.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is just one of a growing list of cities in South Florida about to put the automated plate readers to work.
Commissioner Stuart Dodd said they're in the process of installing their system.
"We will be putting cameras in three different locations," said Dodd. "If the average citizen hasn't done anything wrong, and if he's not driving in a stolen vehicle, he will probably pass through town un-noticed."
Click here to watch Brian Andrews' report.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea follows the lead of Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach, where automated license plate readers have helped solve dozens of burglaries, find missing people, and recover stolen cars.
Lighthouse Point Police Lt. Jack Vacarro said the system helped recover 17 stolen cars and make 26 arrests this past year.
"We have not received one complaint about our camera system," said Vacarro.
Commissioner Dodd said the system will check tags against state and federal databases and wanted lists.
"It doesn't stop crimes, but hopefully it can persuade the criminals to go somewhere else," said Dodd.
The Lauderdale-By-The-Sea system is expected to be fully operational in the next 90 days. Other South Florida communities that have ALPR systems include the towns of Palm Beach and Manalapan. Hollywood plans to install a plate reader system
Coconut Creek has a system which monitors traffic entering and exiting the Seminole Casino. Hollywood plans to install a plate reader system. Pompano Beach is reportedly considering an ALPR system for installation at their public parks.
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