Ontario Taking Steps to Prevent Auto Theft in Niagara

Niagara Falls – The Ontario government is providing the Niagara Regional Police Service with $1,956,419 to help fight crime, including auto theft.

The Niagara Regional Police Service will use the funding to enhance Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology – a system that consists of cameras that automatically scan licence plates. The system is installed in or on active-duty police cruisers and alerts officers to stolen or expired plates, or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.

“This upgraded technology will help the Niagara Regional Police Service address growing rates of auto theft and related criminal activity across the region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“We are getting the job done by fighting crime and keeping streets safe. It’s what the families of Niagara deserve.”

“We are very pleased by this announcement and thank the Ontario provincial government for this commitment to safer roads and a safer Niagara,” said Bryan MacCulloch, Chief of the Niagara Regional Police Service.

“These funds will enhance the already successful NRPS ALPR program, which has demonstrated that this advanced technology can assist law enforcement in preventing and solving crime, while protecting the privacy of the citizens and visitors of Niagara.”

The Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology Grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.

“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario.

“I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”