Plate-Reading Patrol Car Roams Casino Parking Lots

With casinos like Harrah’s Rincon, Valley View and Pala just a short drive from Poway, a daycation spent at the tables or simply lounging by the pool is a popular option when it’s time for a short road trip.

Unfortunately the casinos are also popular with car thieves, who see the huge parking lots as a buffet overflowing with treats too tempting to pass up. Not only do they hit the lots looking for cars to steal, they also ditch cars that are stolen or otherwise wanted by police.

The Sheriff’s Department will be patrolling casino parking lots and other areas with a new license-plate-reader car, equipped with cameras that scan license plates and enters them into a database. The deputy will be alerted if a plate has been flagged by the statewide database. Vehicles can be flagged for various reasons, including being reported stolen, involved in a crime, related to an Amber Alert or missing-person case, and others.

The license plate reader car cost $78,673 and was paid for by a grant of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation and the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee. The car will be based at the sheriff’s Valley Center substation.