A run of auto burglaries around San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf ended in Hayward, where three suspects were arrested after police say automated license‑plate readers helped officers zero in on a getaway car. San Francisco police reported recovering property tied to the break-ins and transporting the trio to San Francisco County Jail, closing the loop on an investigation into at least three separate burglaries earlier this month.
ALPR Tip Led Officers To Hayward
According to the San Francisco Police Department, an automated license‑plate reader flagged the suspect vehicle, and officers later stopped it in Hayward. The department identified those arrested as Zykeill Council, 26, of Daly City, along with Raheem Rodgers, 31, and Justin Mitchell, 30, and said items stolen during the San Francisco burglaries were found inside the car.
WATCH: Three suspects linked to a string of auto burglaries near Fisherman's Wharf were arrested after ALPR cameras helped officers locate their vehicle. The suspects were apprehended in Hayward, CA.
— San Francisco Police (@SFPD) July 23, 2026
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ALPRs, Arrests And The Privacy Debate
ALPRs have become a central tool for SFPD, with local reporting noting that the department has deployed hundreds of cameras that generate millions of plate reads and have helped lead to numerous arrests since the system rolled out. As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, the technology has sped up recent investigations even as privacy advocates continue to push for tight oversight. City rules outline narrow, authorized uses for the data and set limits on how long it can be kept, and the SFMTA ALPR policy details those restrictions.
The Thefts And Charges
Investigators determined that the vehicle was connected to at least three separate auto burglaries after a victim reported a rental car was broken into near Fisherman's Wharf last Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Police Department. All three suspects were booked into jail on suspicion of burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools under SFPD case no. 260-399-940. Police said the investigation remains open and active.
What Comes Next
The case is headed to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for review, which could result in formal charges. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD tip line at 1-415-575-4444. Officers transported the three to San Francisco County Jail, and detectives told reporters the probe is still ongoing.
