California city spending federal COVID funds on license plate readers to deter smash-and-grab mobs

San Jose has approved funding for license plate readers in an effort to address organized robberies that have taken place in the city and throughout California in recent weeks.

Organized robberies against retail shops and malls have been sweeping California, particularly the Bay Area, with suspects often escaping with thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise from high-end stores. 

San Jose was hit with back-to-back robberies on Nov. 21. In the first, two male suspects stole merchandise from the Valley Fair Mall. That same day, four to six people robbed a Lululemon directly across the street, stealing $40,000 worth of merchandise.