License Plate Reader Cameras Spotted In Lemont

LEMONT, IL — Several Lemont residents on social media groups have questioned the purpose of the recent installation of cameras at intersections and streets around town. The cameras are part of the village's automated license plate reader system, Chief Marc Maton said at the April 12 village board meeting.

"We've gotten some calls in for [the cameras]," Maton said, adding that he has discussed the system at village board meetings in the past.

The system was procured through donations from private corporations, Maton said.

"Unlike standard surveillance cameras that record a wide field of view or are set to pre-defined zones, license plate reader cameras are specifically deployed for the singular purpose of capturing license plate details," Maton said.

The cameras capture and store license plate details, and are for crime prevention and to enhance crime detection, Maton said.

"We're not going to be using them for police revenue-related things," he said.

The cameras are used in areas of "egress or entrance routes" to Lemont, so that they can be used for ongoing investigations, Maton said.

If a crime occurs, an investigator can access the database for license plates in the area of the crime for possible leads. Maton said the targeted use of the system is for violent crimes, armed robberies, business burglaries, burglary crews or AMBER alerts.

"We've had a large number, along with other towns, of the burglary crews coming into town over the last few years," Maton said. If a reported stolen vehicle passes license plate reader cameras, police are then alerted that the car is in the area.

Several area towns have also installed license plate reader cameras, including Burr Ridge, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park and Orland Park.