Brawley to use license plate reading cameras in city to battle crime rates

The city of Brawley recently announced that it will be using license plate reading cameras throughout the city to fight crime.

Commander Brett Houser, of the Brawley Police Department, said the license plate reading technology has been instrumental in catching criminals with outstanding crimes and in possession of stolen cars.

Houser said, ” With the recovery of several dozens of stolen vehicles. Also, the tracking capability of having vehicles of interests connected to certain crimes. Be able to gather that information. It’s a multiplier for our investigative efforts in addressing crimes. ”

Law enforcement hopes it’ll lower the city’s criminal activity.

” Many property crimes go unsolved and we’re hoping this can address that as well. It’s a multi-spectrum technology we can use for more than stolen vehicles. We’re hoping it can help us with illegal dumping, any cases of arson that might involve the ingressive of a vehicle in the commission of that crime, ” said Houser.

Brawley resident, Damian Garcia, said he’s noticed how unsafe the city’s been in recent years.

Garcia said, ” You know there’s definitely some areas in Brawley you wanna avoid especially at night time . I generally don’t wander the streets at night time . Kind of an uncomfortable environment at night time . The city changes. ”

Garcia said he’ll feel safer knowing the police are using more ways to take criminals off the street.

” Happy to know that my city and are you know in a joint effort to help prevent further crime. Makes me feel better, ” said Garcia.

Commander Houser said they expect to receive the cameras within the next 30 to 60 days.