What's been reported so far
In August 2026, all 8 Flock cameras in Winona, Minnesota were stolen and not recovered (full Winona story). Six cameras were vandalized in Edina and six in Duluth, and a suspect was charged (Minnesota page). In California, a man was arrested for damaging cameras in Monterey County near Pismo Beach (California page). More than 20 cameras have been reported stolen or vandalized in recent weeks.
Why cameras are being targeted
Vandalism tends to follow frustration: cameras installed with little public notice, plate data kept for long periods, and no easy way for residents to object. When legal channels feel blocked, some people turn to direct action — which is why this coincides with the search surge for "vandalism of flock safety cameras" and related topics like property damage.
Why vandalism rarely changes policy
Destroying a camera usually means it gets replaced. What actually ends programs are council votes, contract cancellations and legislation. The ban tracker follows the formal actions that matter: 23 jurisdictions have already canceled Flock contracts.
What to do instead
- Bring the question to your city council — that's where camera agreements are approved.
- File a public records request for the Flock contract and data-retention policy.
- Track and cite the ban tracker in local debates.