Albuquerque speed camera stolen, another camera removed by police after the theft

By STELLA SUN

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — Cracking down on excessive speeding is a goal for the city of Albuquerque. But thieves are pressing the brakes on this goal, after one speed camera got stolen.

“The speeding is excessive on Lead and Coal,” Larry Veltman said. “It’s something that’s out of control here in the city.”

In an effort to try and get excessive speeding under control, the city brought in speed cameras to target problem areas.

One speed camera was set up by Lead Avenue and Cornell Drive. The speed limit on Lead Avenue is 30 mph. Albuquerque police data shows 2,994 drivers were caught driving 11 over the speed limit since the camera was brought in on June 10. Just 17 days later, an APD spokesperson said the camera was stolen, but the base that held the camera was still there.

“That device and the one along Coal have been removed in that area for the time being. APD has options for fixed units and are currently exploring those,” APD Spokesperson Rebecca Atkins said.

The top speed the camera on Lead Avenue caught was a car driving 96 miles per hour.

There are four speed cameras operating around the city.

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