To curb the increase of crime in Kariega, local businesses, the SAPS and community members have joined forces to install the second number- plate recognition camera, Navic Camera, in the area.
Gerhard Ferreira, owner of Excid Electronics established his business in Kariega in 1994 to offer two-way communication systems for farmers.
However, 20 years ago he expanded to offer specialized cameras.
In a bid to deal with crime in the area, he teamed up with local businesses, the SAPS and community members to install the first number- plate recognition camera known as the National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (Navic) Camera, in the North of Kariega two months ago while a second camera was installed in July in the Industrial Area.
“All the Navic Cameras nationwide are interconnected through the internet. Any information needed from the camera can be found by logging into the main server countrywide,” said Ferreira.
He further said the specialized camera will be used to monitor stolen vehicles and vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Ferreira said once these vehicles are detected in the Kariega area, an alert will be sent to the local police stations which are also connected to the server.
He said the vehicle will then be flagged and the police station will notify the investigating officer.
“Since the cameras are linked nationwide, if a vehicle is stolen in Gauteng and passes the Kariega area, it will be picked up on the Navic Camera and a notification will be sent out to all role players,” said Ferreira.
“The local SAPS has been very supportive of the installation of the cameras because it serves as their eyes on the ground.”
In the prevention of crime, he said multiple Navic Cameras have been installed in various areas throughout the country with over 100 installed in the Sunday’s River Valley alone.
“The more cameras there are the smaller the area becomes for criminals. The cameras remind the criminals that they are being watched,” said Ferreira.
He said the two cameras that have been installed in Kariega are privately funded and are privately owned. However, they are hoping to get more community members involved in their next project to install a Navic Camera on the R75.
Ferreira said there are multiple Navic Cameras on the R75, but they are hoping to install an additional camera closer to the Kariega North turn off.
He said they are currently planning a fundraising event for the next camera installation on the R75.
“If more people get involved in our fundraising efforts, the total amount needed for the Navic Camera will decrease,” said Ferreira.
For more information or to contribute to the fundraising efforts contact Gerhard Ferreira on 082 783 5375 or email excid@mweb.co.za.
