EDINA, MN — Automated license plate reader cameras have been vandalized and stolen in several Minnesota communities, including Edina and Plymouth. Police say the damage is disrupting a tool they use to help find suspects and recover stolen vehicles.
In Edina, three Flock cameras were covered in red spray paint Wednesday night. Plymouth has had two cameras vandalized in the last month, including one that was found broken apart at the base of a pole.
What Police Are Seeing
Plymouth Police Chief Erik Fadden said complaints and questions from residents have taken up much of his time in recent weeks. He said the city has 18 ALPR cameras, and several other Minnesota communities are dealing with similar problems.
Police said recent vandalism or theft has been reported in Anoka County, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Prior Lake and Winona. Officials said the cameras scan passing license plates and capture images that can help officers move quickly in active cases.
Why Departments Use Them
Police said the cameras have helped in cases involving stolen vehicles and firearms recovered from people who were not allowed to have them. Fadden said those are examples of the kind of leads departments can get from the systems.
Flock is the best-known brand, though other companies such as Motorola also make similar equipment. Police departments have made the cameras a common investigative tool, even as the technology has drawn criticism over privacy and data retention.
Cost And Privacy Concerns
Critics say the cameras can amount to warrantless surveillance and raise questions about how long police keep the data. State law requires agencies to delete the information after 60 days, though many departments keep it for only 30 days.
Police also pointed out that the camera locations can be found through websites and apps, which may make them easier targets. Flock said damaging the equipment is illegal and warned that taking a camera offline can mean losing a lead tied to an Amber Alert, missing person case or violent crime suspect.
From the Twin Cities to the border and back, Travel Your Way keeps Minnesota informed.