8 Flock cameras stolen in Winona, police still haven’t located cameras
Flock cameras and the privacy debate
A recent case involving Flock license plate cameras incorrectly tracking a Minnesota journalist has renewed questions about the technology's accuracy and oversight. ACLU Senior Policy Analyst Jay Stanley joins us to discuss how Flock cameras work, concerns about privacy, and the broader debate over automated license plate readers.
WINONA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Authorities in Winona say that eight different Flock cameras have gone missing in recent weeks and are asking the public to help locate them.
Winona Flock camera theft
What we know:
According to the Winona Police Department, on Aug. 1, authorities discovered that all eight of our city's Flock cameras were missing.
Authorities say the cameras were stationed in the following areas:
- Two near Hwy 61/Bundy Blvd
- Two near Hwy 61/Hwy 14
- Two near Hwy 14/Knopp Valley Drive
- Two near Hwy 43/Homer Road
Dig deeper:
A press release says an officer noted there had been no recent activity on the cameras, and when they went to check them, they found the poles they were on cut down, and the cameras gone. Police report finding the poles in nearby weeds, but the cameras were removed.
Authorities believe the thefts occurred between July 29 and Aug. 1.
As of Aug. 4, 2026, none had been recovered.
The cost to replace each camera and pole is approximately $3,000, a press release notes.
Flock cameras in Columbia Heights will go dark
Following calls of "Big Brother" going too far, Columbia Heights officials have opted to remove the use of Flock cameras despite the insistence from law enforcement that the license plate-reading technology can be helpful in solving crimes. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the details.
Big picture view:
A debate over the use of Flock cameras and automated license plate readers has grown in communities throughout Minnesota, with law enforcement often saying they can be helpful in solving crimes, and activist groups concerned about privacy issues.
In June, the Columbia Heights City Council voted to end its contract with Flock, citing community concerns.
What's next:
Authorities say an investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Winona Police Department at 507-457-6302, or submit a tip online.