Frequently asked questions
Understand the information before you use it
The most important point: NP Tracker’s community lookout reports are unverified intelligence intended to provide context, not proof.
What is the NP Tracker project?
NP Tracker began in 2014 as a project by Eduard Stander in Centurion to help communities combine their separate vehicle “little black books” and share relevant reports securely. It recognises standard vehicle-registration formats across South Africa and the SADC region; personalised plates are excluded.
If anyone can look up a plate, how is the information shared securely?
Results are shared per registration lookup. NP Tracker does not publish a browsable list of plates; a user must already know most of the registration and receives only its matching result. The project states that use is monitored and suspected criminal misuse can be blocked.
Are community lookout reports verified?
No. The project uses public-domain and community-contributed information, which is untrusted and unverified by definition. Reports can reveal patterns, but the reader is responsible for evaluating the context and deciding on an appropriate response.
Why is the original reporter not always identified?
NP Tracker aims to protect sources from victimisation. Public-source reports may include the original screen name or source link, while platform-supplied identifiers from supported messaging services are removed unless the sender included identifying details in the original message.
We share sensitive information in our group. Can we still contribute?
The plate database is intended to capture messages containing vehicle registrations. Historical NP Tracker documentation also describes keyword exclusions that group administrators can configure so sensitive messages are not scanned even when they include a plate. Contact NP Tracker for current setup guidance.
Does NP Tracker work with police, security companies or community organisations?
The project states that it works with numerous community groups, security organisations and police-related initiatives, but generally does not publish partner lists or take sides between organisations. Contributors may be credited when the original lookout identifies them.
Does using this information put people at risk?
The platform returns vehicle lookout context in near real time, but the reader remains responsible for interpreting the report and taking a safe, lawful and appropriate course of action. A lookup result is not proof of wrongdoing.
Why is there not always a SAPS CAS number?
Community reports may appear before a victim is able to open a police case, and suspicious behaviour may be reported without a case being filed. Later sequential reports may add a CAS number where one becomes available.
What can I do if my number plate was listed in error?
Contact NP Tracker with the registration and enough information to identify the report. The project states that it will investigate and take appropriate action.
Does NP Tracker provide vehicle-owner details?
No. NP Tracker does not provide vehicle-owner details.
What reports can the broader platform provide?
The historical site distinguishes three report types: (1) NP Tracker community lookout history for a plate; (2) NPS-LAW status information checked against other law-enforcement datasets where available; and (3) NPS-VCR vehicle make, model, colour and partial VIN or engine information drawn from scanners and other sources.
What if vehicle information in NPS-VCR is wrong?
Registration numbers may be reused, particularly in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal formats, so older data can refer to a previously registered vehicle. NP Tracker asks users to submit updated documentary information through its supported correction process; personal details are removed before the vehicle record is updated.
Why use NP Tracker?
It makes vehicle-related public intelligence easier to retrieve across individuals, community initiatives and private security organisations. Its value lies in surfacing prior context when a known plate is checked.
What does the service cost?
The project has historically offered Telegram access while asking for donations, described WhatsApp as a R49-per-month subscription, and charged API or heavy ANPR/LPR users to help cover development and operating costs. Confirm current prices directly before relying on these figures.
Will NP Tracker partner with another organisation?
The published principles say partnerships are welcome, provided user details are not shared for marketing, users are not spammed or promoted to, sources are credited when applicable, and the project’s privacy and community-safety principles are respected.
Where is the NP Tracker office?
The project is based in Centurion, Gauteng. The historical site states that there is no public office.
How can I help?
You can report missing public sources, contribute accurate vehicle lookouts, suggest improvements or support the project’s hosting and development through a donation.
Where can I learn about the related products?
See the Solutions page for NP Tracker, AdmitIT visitor management, ProveIT image verification, PatrolIT patrol operations, NPS-CLOUD, NPS API, NPS-VCR and NPS-ANPR.