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License Plate Readers are Coming to the Northwest San Fernando Valley

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City and police officials announced Thursday that 100 automated license plate readers (ALPRs) are being installed in the northwest San Fernando Valley to help fight rising crime. Los Angeles City Councilman John Lee set aside $500,000 to fund the project in his 12th Council District, aiming to help police identify and track vehicles involved in criminal activities.

At a news conference in Porter Ranch, Lee emphasized the growing issue of crime, stating, “Crime in Los Angeles is becoming more bold, organized, and widespread.” He pointed to Rinaldi Street, which runs through his district, as a boundary where crime has increased, especially north of the street, where home burglaries jumped by 103% last year.

The ALPRs are being installed in strategic locations, typically on light poles, across Lee’s district. When the cameras detect a vehicle linked to a crime, police are alerted automatically. Currently, about 1,500 LAPD patrol cars are already equipped with mobile ALPRs, and around 60 stationary units are spread across the city.

LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi highlighted the effectiveness of ALPRs, especially in solving murders in the South Bureau, and underscored their importance in combating various crimes. “Vehicles are involved in 75% of crimes nationally, from robberies to human trafficking, so having quick access to information is critical for solving and even preventing these crimes,” Choi said.

Officials stressed that the readers are not used for traffic violations like speeding, and data collected is carefully protected. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy. Lee also noted that the new ALPRs in his district have already helped solve two robbery cases.

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