TheDenverChannel.com









Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

'Electric Eye' Identifies Car Thieves At 55 MPH

CSP, Aurora Police Using New High-Tech Device To Catch Crooks

POSTED: 10:48 am MDT March 16, 2007
UPDATED: 5:01 pm MDT March 16, 2007

Thanks to new technology, Aurora police can see a stolen car coming -- even when it's on the move and in a different lane.

The infrared license plate reader instantly scans multiple lanes of highway traffic, alerting officers to stolen vehicles, and outstanding arrest warrants.

Before the suspect even knows it, the chase is on.

But because police know exactly which car or truck they're looking for instantly, they can radio ahead and stop the chase before it really gets going.

That was the case Thursday at about 4:30 p.m. on Interstate 225. Aurora police got a hit on a stolen car, called other officers ahead between Colfax and Sixth avenues, who then stopped southbound traffic, surrounded the suspect car with multiple undercover units, and made a quick arrest.

"It's going to be twofold, threefold the arrests they make now, because like I said, you don't have to go around looking," said Lt. Troy Edwards of the Aurora Police Department. "It looks for you as you are driving around."

The technology was tested and perfected by postal technology company Elsag in Genoa, Italy.

Police there have been using the plate readers for more than four years.

Elsag has partnered with the Remington Arms Company in Madison, N.C., to manufacture and supply the devices at a cost of more than $25,000 to law enforcement groups across the U.S.

Aurora police have two of the Mobile Plate Hunter 900s. The Colorado State Patrol also has two.

Spokesmen for both agencies said they believe these are the only four plate readers in use now in Colorado.

Infrared cameras on the patrol car read more than 800 license plates in an hour. They instantly transmit information to a laptop computer inside the car, beeping whenever a stolen plate is recognized.

That gives the officer the exact year, model, make and color of the car, along with a possible suspect name, any outstanding warrants and whether the vehicle is stolen.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

Want to lose weight? Get a diet and fitness plan customized for you from Jillian Michaels of TV’s Biggest Loser. MoreClick Here

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network