New Bern police wanted help finding camera vandals. The community gave them Batman jokes instead.
Police in North Carolina asked for tips after two men broke a new spy camera, but locals are laughing off the request.
We all want to feel safe where we live. But many people draw the line when safety starts to feel like someone is watching their every move.
In New Bern, North Carolina, police put out a call for help. They shared a video of two men walking through a parking lot at night. The men carried items and broke a new Flock Safety camera.
Instead of helpful tips, the police department's post got jokes. People wrote back with names like "Batman and Robin."
This reaction shows a deeper anger. These cameras scan license plates on their own, and many neighbors do not want them around.
Fact Box
- New Bern police shared video of two suspects at night.
- The suspects damaged a newly set up Flock Safety camera.
- Local comments flooded the post with fake tips and jokes.
- Flock cameras scan and log vehicle license plates.
- Similar cameras have been broken in several other states.
Why It Matters
Police say these cameras help them catch bad guys fast. They can scan plates and find stolen cars in seconds.
But critics say the private database tracks regular drivers without a court order. To many people, the cameras feel like constant spying on public roads.
What Happens Next
The New Bern Police Department is still looking for the two men. They want anyone with real tips to call them.
At the same time, the fight over license plate readers is growing. More towns are buying them, while more privacy groups are fighting them.
What We Still Don't Know
- Who are the two men in the video?
- How much did the town pay for these cameras?
- Will the police keep putting up cameras if people keep breaking them?
Transparency notes
Published: Jul 8, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
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