(TRENTON) – The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today approved legislation by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) giving police authority to remove the instruments that make it easier for people to carry out certain crimes.

“This is a common sense deterrent to help our police more effectively curtail crime,” said Senator Norcross. “Let perpetrators be on notice – this sort of activity will not be tolerated in our cities.”

The legislation allows officers to impound a vehicle if an illegal weapon has been found, or that has been used during an illegal drug transaction, or for prostitution.

In 2012, Camden police began monitoring vehicles entering a well-known drug corner via an Eye in the Sky camera. Within just over a month, they had recorded the license plates of more than 600 vehicles during apparent drug trades.

Warning letters were issued to the owners of these vehicles stating that they faced legal consequences if they continue returning to the city for their drugs. Police say that of those plates recorded, 90% were registered to homes outside the city and 205 were identified as repeat customers.

“Illegal weapons, drugs, and prostitution continue to plague our residents and threaten the safety of our communities,” added Senator Norcross. “This measure hits those perpetuating these types of crimes where it hurts, taking away the tools they use to access illicit trade.”

Bill S-2468 was approved by the committee unanimously.