Santa Clara Police Department’s (SCPD) automatic license plate reader (ALPR) was instrumental in tracking down and arresting a man police suspect of burglarizing dozens of storage units across the Bay Area.

In late February, police discovered that 35 storage units across various area cities had been burglarized in three days, according to the SCPD. After an extensive investigation and surveillance, police located and arrested Francis Robinson, 43, of Daly City on April 7.

Using the department’s ALPR, investigators were able to identify Robinson’s vehicle. The investigation linked him to approximately 75 burglaries across multiple jurisdictions. After obtaining a warrant, police subsequently searched Robinson’s storage units and vehicle, revealing a cache of stolen goods.

Lt. Eric Lagergren, the public information officer for the SCPD, wrote in an email that stolen goods included sports memorabilia, antique magazines, and items of identity theft for various victims, such as marriage certificates.

Police are still working to connect to the victims, Lagergren wrote.

Also among the stolen goods was a homemade assault rifle, ammunition, street narcotics and burglary tools, according to police.

Police surveillance has been a hot topic in Santa Clara for the past couple of months. At a city council meeting last month, public members lambasted a contract re-up for the ALPR. Then, at a subsequent meeting earlier this month, similar concerns arose during a discussion about another contract with Peregrine Technologies, Inc.

Santa Clara Police Chief Cory Morgan previously called the ALPR a “force multiplier.” It only gathers basic data — plate number, time, date, make, model and color of the vehicle. — not personal information, he said, adding that it is an investigative tool, not a means to monitor residents. He assured the council that there were “structural safeguards” in place to ensure the data gathered is used responsibly. 

Robinson is charged with burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If charged as a felony, the burglary charge carries 16 months, two or three years in prison. The other charge carries the same penalty. 

Police booked Robinson into the Santa Clara County Jail, 150 W. Hedding St. in San Jose. The investigation is ongoing.

Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com