Kepez Municipality photo trap attacked during surveillance

A photo trap installed by Kepez Municipality to monitor environmental pollution, prevent fires, and ensure local security was recently attacked. The system captured footage of the incident, which involved four individuals, one of whom used a stick to strike the device.

The municipality has deployed 35 photo traps across various locations, including vacant lots and roadsides, to provide 24/7 surveillance against illegal waste and construction debris dumping. These devices allow authorities to identify vehicle license plates and initiate legal proceedings against violators.

The importance of this system was highlighted by a recent incident where a truck driver, caught by the traps for illegal debris dumping, caused a fire after their vehicle's tipper hit power lines. That driver was fined 115,000 TL. Additionally, Kepez Municipality has issued total fines exceeding 3 million TL to 98 vehicles for environmental violations in 2025. An investigation into the attack on the photo trap is currently underway.