Bluffton police report six Flock cameras damaged July 11

1 August 2026.

On July 11, 2026, the Bluffton Police Department received a report at 4:26 a.m. of damage to multiple Flock Safety license plate reader cameras in the Buckwalter Parkway area. Two cameras were unplugged, one at Shell Hall and one at Cassidy Drive. Four additional cameras were intentionally damaged, with power cords cut at two locations at The Townes at Buckwalter Parkway and two along Bluffton Parkway. The town contacted Flock Safety Support to report the incidents. The extent of damage and repair costs remained unknown at the time of the report.

Bluffton is one of two South Carolina municipalities reporting camera damage in July 2026. The Town of Pageland reported on July 5 that unknown suspects intentionally cut down two Flock Safety camera poles. Town officials characterized the cameras as investigative tools that assist with stolen vehicle cases, missing persons investigations, and crime solving.

Flock Safety cameras are automated license plate reader systems that capture vehicle information including license plates, make, model, and color. As of July 30, 2026, approximately 122,945 such cameras operated across the United States, with 97 cities having rejected the technology. The Lowcountry region contained 55 cameras in the Bluffton area and 28 in Beaufort. Jasper County reported seven cameras in Ridgeland and 49 in Hardeeville and surrounding areas.

Readers can check whether Flock cameras operate in their own community by researching their local municipality's public records on camera contracts and installations.

Read the original reporting: Bluffton Today.