New crime-fighting tool: Why license plate readers are going up in some Paso Robles intersections and last updated 2020-12-22 01:37:35-05 New cameras will soon go up in the City of Paso Robles to catch criminals. The purchase of an automated license plate reader system was recently approved by the Paso Robles City Council. Itâll cost $100,000 but the police department says its use will be invaluable. The new crime-fighting tool aims to nab criminals in stolen vehicles, with stolen license plates, wanted in crimes, or even vehicles part of child abduction emergency alerts. âWeâre able to run that vehicle through those license plates and know that hey, it left southbound on Highway 101,â explained Commander Caleb Davis, Paso Robles Police Department. âThat certainly gives our officers the ability to only look south as opposed to 360 degrees."