Americans are increasingly protesting and damaging Flock Safety surveillance cameras, with online commenters often expressing support for those responsible. The reaction reflects wider concerns about privacy, police surveillance and public trust, and has prompted at least one sheriff to acknowledge calls for stronger safeguards.

Reported incidents include cameras being unplugged, spray-painted, stolen or run over in several states. A Georgia sheriff’s $1,000 reward appeal drew more than 30,000 largely critical comments; an Air Force engineer accused of cutting down 13 cameras in Virginia raised over $44,000 for his defence; and Winona, Minnesota, decided not to replace eight stolen cameras, citing concerns about trust in policing.