Three license plate reader cameras stolen near Highway 49
By Peyton Headlee
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AUBURN, California (KCRA) — Three license plate reader cameras were stolen near Highway 49 and Nevada Street in Auburn, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Two of the cameras belonged to the Auburn Police Department, while the third was owned by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. The cameras, known as Flock cameras, are used to read license plates, identify stolen vehicles, and assist with criminal investigations.
“They’re very obvious. We’re not trying to hide them. They’re just there in order to help with our investigative leads,” said Sgt. Joe Almeida of the Auburn Police Department. “We partner with Flock in order for these devices to track offenders, look for wanted subjects, missing persons, things like that. The database is confidential. We only share it with California law enforcement agencies for intel.”
Auburn police typically have 12 cameras in the city, but they are now down two.
Almeida said the theft occurred in the early morning hours of April 26, with their cameras stolen from Nevada Street and Marguerite Mine Road near Highway 49. Officers found the poles where the cameras had been mounted empty, with the cords cut.
Both cameras were later discovered in a nearby canal.
“They’re completely destroyed. They were completely submerged in the water. So we’re unable to recover those cameras. But we’re partnering with Flock to get them replaced,” Almeida said.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office reported that one of its cameras was also stolen the same morning in the same area. That camera has not been recovered.
When asked why someone might steal the cameras, Almeida said, “Based on what we’ve seen, if you pay attention nationwide, there’s a big uproar in regard to cameras, government overwatch. So when you look at it from that standpoint, they’re thinking Big Brother is paying attention on them 24/7, seven days a week. But in theory, what we’re looking for is intel gathering for wanted subjects, missing persons, things like that. We’re not out there looking for anybody every single day.”
Authorities have footage of the suspect but are still working to identify them.
Auburn police said the cameras cost about $800 each and are working with Flock to replace them.
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