The Winona Police Department (WPD) in Southeastern Minnesota announced on Tuesday, August 5th, 2026, that all eight of the city’s Flock surveillance cameras had been stolen. This incident is the latest in a series of Flock camera vandalism cases reported nationwide.

An officer at WPD noticed on the evening of Saturday, August 1st, that none of the cameras had recorded recent activity. Upon inspection, officers found the camera poles chopped down at the base and discarded in nearby weeds, but the cameras themselves were missing. The department estimates the thefts occurred between July 29th and August 1st. Each camera and pole is valued at approximately $3,000 to replace.

Nicholas Quimby, speaking to The Minnesota Star Tribune on Monday, suggested that motives could include philosophical opposition to Flock cameras or financial gain, though no suspects have been identified yet.

Similar vandalism has been reported elsewhere. Authorities in Ashland County, Ohio, stated that vandals began targeting Flock cameras as early as July 8th, according to Fox8. Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider expressed concern about the impact of these damages, questioning how many wanted individuals or victims might be missed without the cameras’ surveillance.

Additionally, the Savannah Police Department is investigating six employees—four law enforcement officers and two civilians—for allegedly misusing the Flock database for personal reasons, including searching for acquaintances and family members, as reported by WSB-TV.

These incidents highlight ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the use and security of Flock surveillance technology across multiple states.

Sources