Ritzy L.I. Town Plans Huge Surveillance Network

A wealthy Long Island village is planning an extensive network of security cameras that scan license plates to help reduce the number of property and home invasion crimes.

The 3.3-square mile North Shore community is home to 5,000 residents. The plan calls for 44 cameras to eventually be installed at the village's 19 entrances. That's about one camera for every 120 people.    

Mayor Michael Kalnick tells Newsday the project is needed to protect residents.     

The system runs the license plate scan through criminal databases and if a match is found immediately notifies police.     

Initially, three cameras will be installed. One has been operating on a test basis for 18 months and police are using two mobile units on patrol cars.     

It's not clear when the project will be completed.