New License Plate Readers Helping to Fight Crime in San Francisco, Mayor Says

The cameras have led to arrests for retail theft, carjacking, robbery, and more. The police chief calls them ‘a massive help,’ but privacy advocates are wary.

An automated license plate reader is seen mounted on a pole in San Francisco on June 13, 2024. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The first 100 license plate readers installed at dozens of intersections in San Francisco have led to arrests, contributing to a drop in crime, authorities said June 12.

Mayor London Breed said in a press release that the cameras, installed on utility poles along Ninth Avenue and Irving Street, led to arrests for organized retail theft, carjacking, robbery, sexual assault, and more.