Florida now setting up fake 3D printed flock cameras to bust vandals

quote:

---

News 6 Orlando reports that police in Oviedo, Florida, have charged a man with three felonies for destroying a Flock surveillance camera, even though the camera was fake. Even the mayor, who was unaware of the decoy operation before the arrest, admitted the charges are controversial.

Evan Meyer, 24, faces counts of criminal mischief causing more than $1,000 in damage, grand theft involving property valued between $750 and $5,000, and damaging or taking a computer, electronic device, or related equipment. However, although Meyer believed he was destroying a real Flock camera, which he estimated might cost up to $5,000 to install, what he actually destroyed was a 3D-printed decoy that was likely far cheaper. Police also said a Flock camera actually costs only around $800, not including installation fees.

---

quote:

---

After several of Oviedo's cameras disappeared, authorities planted a decoy and waited until they caught Meyer removing it with pruning shears while wearing black clothing, gloves, and a face mask. Sladek, a lawyer who works part-time as mayor, later told 404 Media that even if the felonies do not stick, Meyer could still theoretically be charged with vandalizing art. A police spokesperson told the outlet that an officer printed the decoy at home using a personal 3D printer, so it did not cost the city any money.

---