KELOWNA - On-car technology allowing bylaw officers to scan for parking violations has proved pivotal in catching criminals.
Last Saturday, City of Kelowna Bylaw Officers assisted the RCMP in apprehending two known suspects after the automatic license plate recognition device flagged a vehicle with stolen plates.
"It was an exciting development to a routine sweep," says Bylaw Officer Larry Mushta. "Just as the new system alerted us to the stolen plates, two men got into the vehicle. We then alerted the RCMP and were able to follow the suspects until officers pulled them over few blocks later."
Both men were later charged for a variety of crimes, including possession of controlled substances, stolen property and weapons.
This isn't the first time plate recognition system, AutoVue, has aided the RCMP. Since Bylaw Services implemented the technology in August 2009, the program has located 27 stolen cars in Kelowna, including last week's case in which a man broke into a Summerland home, helped himself to a shower, a fresh change of clothes and then made off with the residents vehicle and dog.
"As these two examples demonstrate, our partnership with City Bylaw is very valuable and successful," says Constable Steve Holmes, Media Liaison officer with the RCMP.
"It's great that we can help the RCMP by being additional eyes and ears in our daily job," adds Mushta.
AutoVue, made by Gentec Inc. of Quebec, can scan 3,000 licence plates an hour at speeds up to 125 km per hour and are used in municipalities throughout North America.
To find out more about the role bylaw officers play in our community, visit kelowna.ca/bylaw.
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