Sunfish Lake burglaries: Community won't install license plate reader cameras
Sunfish Lake burglaries incite meeting
The Sunfish Lake community in Minnesota is discussing whether to use license reader cameras to prevent a rash of burglaries that have increased recently. FOX 9’s Maury Glover joins us live from a community meeting called specifically to discuss options for residents.
SUNFISH LAKE, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Sunfish Lake community discussed on Tuesday whether to install license plate reader cameras following recent house burglaries in the area.
For the people who live in Sunfish Lake, security is always top of mind. But recently they weighed whether they want to foot the bill for even more.
How license plate readers work
What we know: At a special community safety meeting on Tuesday night, residents heard from Flock Safety, which leases license plate reader cameras to cities, shopping centers and homeowners associations.
The system alerts police if a stolen car enters a neighborhood and can generate leads after crimes by seeing what vehicles were in the area.
"It is not facial recognition. It does not collect biometric information. Not used for tracking speed and parking violations. Data is automatically deleted after 30 days," said Bo Manor from Flock Safety at the meeting.
The mayor proposed adding Flock to their city following four sophisticated burglaries, including at the home of former Viking player Linval Joseph, believed to be connected to a string of burglaries across the country, partially targeting professional athletes who aren't home.
Concerns about the security system
But some residents raised concerns about the potential for abuse from creating a mass surveillance system ala Big Brother, from George Orwell's novel "1984."
What they're saying: "The last thing I personally want is more police watching me or the government watching me," said resident Josh Miller.
One burglary victim questioned how effective Flock would be against what is believed to be a South American cartel.
"I think it's a great tool. I don't think it's a great tool for what people are worried about in Sunfish Lake," said Shari Wilsey.
But others said the investment of about $30,000 a year for 10 cameras would be well worth it.
"The cost I'd be willing to pay is pretty high to feel more secure," said resident Joel Sedgeman.
What's next: In the end, the mayor's motion didn't make it to a vote, but the city council did decide to create a committee to look at a more holistic approach to combating this issue.