Drivers in the Waterloo, Ont., area will soon notice cameras with licence plate recognition technology being installed on provincial highways as police aim to enhance efforts against cross-regional crime.
According to the Waterloo police, organized crime impacts the region and criminals have been coming into the area to target local residents and businesses.
The police are collaborating with the province’s transport ministry to set up these licence plate-detecting cameras on highways. Police chief Mark Crowell described it as a key public safety measure as criminal networks become increasingly sophisticated.
“The Waterloo Regional Police Service is proud to be a provincial leader regarding the responsible use of technology to combat serious illegal activity,” Crowell said via a press release.
Authorities mentioned that they consulted with the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario to create privacy safeguards, stating that camera footage will be automatically deleted after 30 days unless needed for an investigation.
The specific number and locations of these cameras have not been finalized yet, according to police.
The department already has licence plate recognition systems in its cruisers, reporting that this technology led to recovering 75 stolen vehicles, making 94 arrests, and filing 77 charges in just 2026 alone.
“Under the leadership of Premier [Doug] Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by using every tool in our toolbox to crack down on criminals who threaten the safety and security of our communities,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation.
With files from Lucas Casaletto of City News
A Waterloo Regional Police vehicle is seen in Waterloo, Ont., Wednesday, June 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn. Keep it Factual
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