[LA MESA, Calif., Mon Feb. 16]
At least two Flock automatic license plate reader cameras were vandalized over the weekend along Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa, with one device cut down and smashed and another removed with parts missing, according to on-scene observations.
At Fletcher Parkway and Dallas Street, a camera was found lying in the center median. Its solar panel and lens were destroyed, though the unit appeared to still be powered, emitting infrared light from the lens area.
A second damaged installation was located near Fletcher and Chatham Drive. Only the solar panel and mounting hardware remained, with the camera unit itself missing. The remaining equipment had also been placed in the median.
The vandalism comes amid intensifying debate over license plate reader systems nationwide. Several cities — including Santa Cruz, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, and Richmond — have recently ended or paused contracts with Flock Safety. Outside California, Staunton, Flagstaff, and Eugene have previously done the same, according to local reporting.
In San Diego, online forums show strong opposition to the technology, with many residents raising privacy concerns, distrust of data handling, and frustration with city leadership over expanded surveillance.
La Mesa Police and El Cajon Police were contacted to determine whether additional vandalized cameras had been reported. As of Monday, neither agency had responded. No arrests have been announced.
