Chalk up a win for license plate readers.
Redwood City police say that one Saturday, their officers found a van in the area of Buckeye and Chew streets that appeared to have been stolen.
Using the police department’s Flock camera system database — which stores license plate information — officers were able to confirm the vehicle was stolen.
License plate readers are controversial because civil liberty advocates say they can store information about innocent people, and allowing police to track their movements.
Arrested were Redwood City residents Oswaldo MayenGarcia, 25, and Scott Huhtala, 66, according to police.
Police found two other stolen vehicles parked in that area, a box truck and a motorcycle.
Police said MayenGarcia was a suspect in all three vehicle thefts. He was arrested and booked on three counts of auto theft. Huhtala was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was also wanted on what police said was a minor warrant. He was issued a citation and released.
License plate readers should be in every city. Money well spent.