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Hi-tech tools can beat truck crime
Page 16
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• Security cameras used in depots and distribution centres will soon be able to detect crime automatically, says a leading police scientist.
Mike Taylor, head of technology operations at Scotland Yard, predicts that technology developed for space and defence applications could be adapted for commercial use within the next few years.
The system would use existing software which can distinguish some actions within the field of the camera's vision, backed up by other detection devices such as microphones and smell detectors.
Since its introduction more than 20 years ago, Taylor believes the need for such technology has increased and the use of intelligent sensory information processing is going to play a key part in crime detection. The next step," he suggests, Is to add other sensory devices such as microphones to pick up the sound of breaking glass and sensors that can detect the smell of particular substances and trigger an appropriate response."
Most of the research is centred on fusing these different sources of information to present a more accurate report of what the camera has seen.
"The additional cost of a microphone or other sensor is not likely to be great," says Taylor, "and should make a significant difference to the ability of hauliers and others to detect criminal activity within their premiss."