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The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Smart surveillance pilot cuts crime and boosts police response
Tshwane metro police, together with MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, recently visited the Proof of Concept (POC) control room in the Hatfield CID to review the progress of the metro's new high-tech crime prevention initiative. The project uses CCTV technology to detect suspicious activity and enable faster police responses, with plans now underway to expand the network and explore drone use as an additional crime-fighting tool. 'This is to assist with crime prevention and car hijacking to make Tshwane a safer place,' said Coetzee. Security service provider Vumacam spokesperson Alex Bouch said the CCTV project was launched five weeks ago and has already shown promising results. He stated that dispatches to incidents increased from 65 in the first week to 133 by week five. 'This has led to 30 interceptions and 15 arrests, with suspects facing charges ranging from theft and robbery to fraud.' Bouch explained that the system is designed to detect vehicles of interest entering the monitored area, allowing for quick interception by law enforcement. He added that the system also helps safeguard critical infrastructure such as power cables and traffic lights from criminal activity. 'The pilot project is also being used to integrate CCTV monitoring with TMPD's workflows and to train operators to use the system independently.' Bouch said this enables more targeted camera deployments in high-priority areas and faster police response times. Commissioner Yolanda Faro, TMPD Chief of Police, expressed strong support for the initiative, calling it an important step forward in using technology to improve law enforcement. According to the Hatfield CID, they have also already seen tangible benefits from the system. CEO Lucas Luckhoff reported a significant drop in crime year-on-year and an increase in arrests since the pilot began. 'The CCTV network also assists the SAPS with investigations, and we are looking to expand the network further,' he said. 'The system is reputable, and the support from the Vumacam team is world-class, helping the Hatfield CID to manage the precinct effectively.' He said plans are underway to both increase the number of cameras and explore the use of drones as additional crime-fighting tools. ALSO READ: Blanket drive is compassion and care in action Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
Edmonton Journal
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Oilers defenceman Troy Stecher might draw short straw if Mattias Ekholm returns but that's fine with him
Article content 'He's probably our 1a or 1b, depending on how you look at Bouch (Evan Bouchard), one, what the public thinks he is. He's an elite defenceman in this league. He played in the 4 Nations, he's played for Team Sweden. He's been to the Cup final in Nashville (and here last spring). If healthy, I want him playing. Yeah, if I'm out, I will be disappointed, but he gives us a better chance to win,' said Stecher. Taking one for the team. Honest stuff. 'I want to win a Stanley Cup, man. I don't want to talk poorly, but my time in Vancouver wasn't very good, we weren't very good in Arizona or Detroit. I just want to play on a contender… obviously I want to be in the line-up but at the end of the day, it's not my decision,' said Stecher. Nope. If Ekholm, who hasn't played any of the Oilers' playoff games, and none since April 11 against the San Jose Sharks here, returns Tuesday, it will be head coach Kris Knoblauch's call, along with Paul Coffey, who handles the defence.
