License plate-scanning cameras activated in Paradise Valley

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) - License plate-scanning cameras now have been activated in the town of Paradise Valley.

Police say the city flipped the switch on seven cameras Friday with four more expected to come online soon.

Some of the cameras are hidden inside fake cacti.

Paradise Valley Town Manager Kevin Burke says the cameras were put in the cacti because there were no available light poles in the area.

Police say they weren't trying to hide anything and the cacti simply looked better than poles.

Burke says the cameras will run license plates of cars against a hotlist database.

If the car was stolen or the subject of an amber alert, police will be notified.