The festive season is usually a time of joy and celebration, but also a time of increased crime and violence. According to crime statistics provided by IOL Daily, South Africa recorded 17,499 murders, 18,162 attempted murders, and 50,124 robberies with aggravating circumstances in the year ending March 2021. These numbers are alarming and show the need for more effective and proactive measures to prevent and combat crime in the country.
Fortunately, technology is playing a vital role in enhancing safety and security. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most innovative and powerful technologies that is being used to outsmart and deter criminals, and to improve the response and recovery capabilities of the security forces and agencies.
AI is the ability of machines or systems to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, learning, decision-making, and problem solving. In the security domain, AI can be used to analyse data, detect patterns, predict outcomes, and automate actions, among other functions, to help reduce crime and improve safety, such as:
AI CCTV cameras equipped with AI software that can analyse the images and videos captured by the cameras, and perform tasks such as face recognition, object detection, motion tracking, and anomaly detection. AI CCTV cameras can be installed in strategic locations, such as neighbourhoods, shopping centres, highways, and public spaces, to monitor and deter criminal activities, and to alert and assist the security agencies and police when incidents occur.
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems: These are systems that can automatically read and identify the number plates of vehicles, and compare them with a database of stolen, wanted, or suspicious vehicles. ANPR systems can be installed in strategic locations, such as toll gates, traffic lights, high traffic areas, or checkpoints, to monitor and deter vehicle-related crimes, such as car theft, hijacking, or smuggling. They can alert and assist the security forces and agencies when vehicles of interest are detected. These cameras can provide real-time information on the location and direction of vehicles and enable rapid response and recovery operations.
Home security systems that can protect homes from intruders, fire, or other hazards, by using sensors, alarms, cameras, or other devices. Home security systems can be upgraded with AI solutions, such as cameras, smart locks, voice assistants, or video doorbells, to enhance the security and convenience of the homeowners. These systems can also alert your security partners when incidents occur or even better when the risk is detected prior to the crime commencing.
These are some of the ways that the increase in AI security around Eastern Cape helped the community remain safer during the festive season. AI is not a magic bullet that can solve all the crime and safety problems in the country, but it is a powerful tool that can complement and enhance the human efforts and capabilities. As the criminals become smarter and more sophisticated, so must the security solutions and strategies. AI is one of the key technologies that can help to achieve this goal.
Contact Broubart today for a Risk assessment so we can assist and introduce you to the future of Security with our carefully planned AI CCTV Solution!