Another Flock camera cut down in Cape Coral prompts police investigation

Cape Coral police are investigating after another Flock license plate-reading camera was cut down, the latest in a string of incidents involving the technology in the city. Police said the camera was found damaged Monday near Southeast 24th Avenue and Viscaya Parkway. A police report said officers found the camera on the sidewalk. Photos provided by police show damage to the equipment, including a shattered solar panel. The incident comes weeks after four Flock cameras were cut down near Diplomat Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard. Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles. Police can use information collected by the cameras while investigating crimes or searching for missing people. The cameras have also drawn criticism from people concerned about privacy and data collection. Cape Coral resident Matthew Gregory said he noticed the latest damaged camera while running in the area. Although he opposes vandalism, Gregory said he also has concerns about the technology. “I don't support vandalism in any way, but Flock cameras are a problem for the community,” Gregory said. Flock Safety has said damaging the cameras can eliminate potential investigative leads. John Joyce, CEO of CRS Technology Consultants, said social media could be contributing to incidents involving the cameras by allowing information about targeting them to spread quickly. “It's a popular target,” Joyce said. “Social media does allow things to kind of catch fire and, you know, spread across wide geographies.” Police are working to determine who is responsible for the latest damage. No arrests have been made yet. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.