License-plate readers help Rancho Cucamonga deputies spot criminals

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- A technology that quickly scans license plates is helping sheriff's deputies in Rancho Cucamonga catch bad guys.

The automated license plate readers can scan one plate a second as a patrol car drives by a parking lot or intersection. The system can then let deputies know if the car is stolen or if its driver is wanted.

In the last two weeks, the plate readers have led to three arrests.

It also helped catch two burglary suspects who made off with sentimental family heirlooms from Gary Baston's home.

He said his security camera caught the back of the thieves' car and photographed a round bumper sticker. A license plate reader found the vehicle by the bumper sticker and deputies were able to catch the suspects and return much of Baston's property.

"Detectives told us that in our case without their plate readers we would have had about a 5 percent chance to have our stuff retrieved," Baston said.

Deputy Jacob Bailey with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has a warning for car thieves who are thinking about hitting the area.

"If they steal vehicles from Rancho Cucamonga, we're going to catch them," Bailey said.