Maple Grove Police Fight Shoplifting with High Tech Cameras
Maple Grove police have a new tool to help them catch shoplifters and other criminals. Officials say thefts are up 20 to 35 percent in the city during the months of November and December.
For the fourth year in a row, police launched its holiday retail crime initiative, in order to crack down on crooks.
“We have our safe streets unit – that’s a plain clothes unit – in conjunction with our patrol officers,” said Captain Adam Lindquist.
Maple Grove Cameras Catch Crooks
However, this time around, cops have a special mobile camera unit in their arsenal of tools to catch crooks. They started using the cameras right after Thanksgiving.
The police move the camera unit from location to location. Right now, it is stationed outside The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. Six cameras are mounted in the unit and are perched on a tall tower, giving police the perfect view.
Data Sent Directly To Computers
Scanning a computer screen, Lindquist points to one of the camera feeds. “We’ve zoomed in on different vehicles and we’re able to see what’s going on and then relay that information to officers and conduct traffic stops.”
He says it allows police to keep a safe and secure environment for people to shop. Meanwhile, officials say the cameras are something the department can use year-round.
The camera unit costs $53,000 dollars. Maple Grove police purchased the cameras with criminal forfeiture funds, so it did not cost taxpayers anything.
