On the night of April 1, 2025, Sealy Police Department’s Night Shift officers discovered six vehicles that had been broken into at two separate locations. Officers contacted the vehicle owners and determined that a significant quantity of tools had been stolen. The following day, two additional victims came forward to report similar vehicle burglaries. Sealy PD Criminal Investigations Division (CID) investigators reviewed surveillance footage and utilized Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, which led to the identification of a suspect. Later that same day, investigators discovered that the suspect was attempting to sell the stolen items online.
Posing as potential buyers, Sealy PD CID investigators arranged a meeting with the suspect. When the suspect arrived at the agreed location, undercover officers—assisted by members of the Austin County Special Response Team (SRT)—swiftly took him into custody. The suspect was found in possession of stolen property at the time of his arrest. The suspect, Daryl Lewis Jr., 29, was arrested and charged with eight counts of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle. Sealy PD extends its sincere thanks to the Westside Narcotics Task Force, the Austin County SRT, and the Waller County Sheriff’s Office for their valuable assistance in this successful operation.
What Is Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)?
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR), also known as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) in some regions, is a powerful technology that captures and processes license plate information from vehicles using cameras and specialized software.
How It Works
At its core, ALPR uses cameras—either mounted on poles, traffic lights, or police vehicles—to capture images of passing cars. These images are then analyzed using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software, which isolates the license plate and translates its characters into digital text. Once the license plate is identified, the system can cross-reference the information with various databases. This enables authorities or organizations to flag stolen vehicles, issue alerts for wanted suspects, or even automate billing systems such as toll collection.
Common Uses of ALPR
ALPR is widely adopted across various sectors, including:
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Law Enforcement: Police departments use ALPR to quickly scan traffic for vehicles of interest, such as those associated with Amber Alerts, stolen property, or outstanding warrants.
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Toll Roads: Toll agencies employ the technology to identify vehicles for billing purposes without requiring them to stop.
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Parking Management: Many parking facilities use ALPR to track entry and exit times, enabling automated fee calculation and improved security.
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Private Security: Gated communities, schools, and office complexes often install ALPR systems to monitor vehicle access and enhance perimeter control.
Advantages and Concerns
The appeal of ALPR lies in its speed, efficiency, and ability to operate around the clock. It significantly reduces the need for manual checks and increases the reach of surveillance and traffic enforcement. However, its growing use also raises privacy concerns. Critics argue that continuous monitoring and long-term data storage could lead to potential misuse or erosion of civil liberties. In response, some jurisdictions have established regulations governing how long ALPR data can be stored and who can access it.
The Future of ALPR
As technology advances, ALPR systems are becoming more accurate and widely deployed. With real-time analytics and integration into broader surveillance networks, ALPR is poised to play an even greater role in modern transportation and security systems.
