RAPID technology helps target property offenders

ACT Policing is broadening its Traffic Operations-focussed use of computerised number plate recognition to target property crime offenders in specific regions of Canberra.

ACT Policing’s RAPID (Recognition and Analysis of Plates IDenitified) number plate recognition system has been deployed on roads throughout Canberra to detect unregistered or uninsured vehicles, unlicensed or disqualified drivers, drivers wanted on a warrant, or those in breach of their bail conditions.

In this new role, RAPID will be deployed within a specific patrol zone, with an emphasis on specific suburbs where it will perform the same function, but aimed more specifically at detecting those offenders who use stolen cars and/or registration plates to convey stolen goods and/or drugs.

Superintendent Mark Colbran, from ACT Policing Traffic Operations, said that analysis of data such as locales of recent burglaries, thefts, stolen motor vehicles and/or other types of property crime would be used to identify the locations where the RAPID Property Offences Strike Team (POST) set up. RAPID will be uploaded with updated vehicle and offences information before each deployment.

“Although previous RAPID deployments have identified property offenders, this is the first time that ACT Policing has used the technology specifically in a property crime role,” Supt Colbran said.

“We know from our research that property crime offenders use stolen cars or vehicles with stolen plates to transport stolen property. We also know that many property offenders have no qualms about driving unregistered cars or driving without a valid licence. We will use both these facts to assist in both apprehending and deterring offenders.”

“The team will move into position quickly – both on suburban streets and on arterial roads – then use both fixed and mobile RAPID to blanket areas of interest and stop any vehicles which trigger an alert on our system.”

The RAPID strike team will begin its deployments from November 4. The programming and locations of the deployments will be dictated through ongoing collaboration with ACT Policing Intelligence.