WHITEHALL, Ohio — The Whitehall Division of Police is planning to couple two pieces of technology to help crack down on crime in the city.
Chief Mike Crispen says thefts, especially kids stealing cars, are the biggest issue facing his community.
“It may not be that they are stealing them in Whitehall, but once you get to Whitehall, you are getting caught. I assure you, you have a higher probability of getting caught if you drive that stolen car through Whitehall, even once you leave it. We will find you,” he said.
Crispen says in the city's three-year strategic plan, they are putting a big focus on the use of technology and marrying their Flock license plate reading system with their Fusus system, which allows them to see real-time surveillance video. He said this focus will be done in addition to making sure the privacy of residents is respected.
Crispen says 82% percent of the crimes committed in Whitehall are by criminals who do not reside in the community.
“Criminals don't care what your jurisdiction is or what your city is. If you steal a car in Hilliard and they drive through Whitehall and get caught, justice on both ends in Whitehall and in Hilliard if it is dealt with,” Crispen said.
Crispen says that making arrests for stolen cars in Whitehall will help crime rates in all the surrounding communities.