WINONA, MN — Police in Winona say someone stole every one of the city’s eight Flock automated license plate reader cameras. An officer discovered the missing devices on Aug. 1 after noticing the system had stopped recording recent activity.
The department says the theft likely happened between July 29 and Aug. 1. The cameras were mounted at four locations, and the poles were cut near their bases before being left in nearby weeds.
Cost To Replace System
Winona officials estimate each camera and pole will cost about $3,000 to replace. That would put the total bill at roughly $24,000 if the city decides to rebuild the network.
The stolen equipment was part of a Flock Safety system, one of the best-known automated license plate reader brands used by cities and police departments. The incident has left the department with both a repair decision and a sizable unplanned expense.
How The Cameras Work
Flock cameras do more than capture license plates. They can also log a vehicle’s make, model, color, time and location, then build a searchable record of where cars have been.
Police say that information can help investigate stolen vehicles, missing-person cases and hit-and-runs. At the same time, the technology also tracks vehicles that simply pass by, which is why it draws concern from privacy critics.
Online Reaction And Debate
The department’s Facebook post about the theft drew a strong reaction, and comment settings were restricted after the discussion grew heated. Some people made jokes or offered clearly fake alibis, while others pressed police to explain what crimes the cameras had actually solved.
Several commenters said the city should take the loss as a $24,000 lesson and not replace the system. The response showed how deeply divided residents can be when surveillance tools disappear, even after an outright theft.
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