License plate reader captures stolen car

Novato police recovered a vehicle that was reported stolen Christmas Day with the use of an automated license plate reader, police said today.

The automated reader was mounted on a patrol vehicle and recognizes license plates that are in a database, police said.

The reader also gathers information that can assist with investigations, according to police.

In this recent incident, police recovered a gold 1994 Saturn SL sedan, which was reported stolen from the City of Richmond.

The Novato Police Department has five patrol vehicles equipped with the reader.