October 15, 2025
Vandals have damaged recently installed pole-mounted license plate reader cameras in Springfield and also in Eugene, police said Wednesday, Oct. 15.
In Springfield, "three poles were cut down and the cameras damaged."
No arrests have been made.
Similar technology has been in use elsewhere in the state and across the country for years, but the cameras in Eugene and Springfield have elicited public opposition.
Elected leaders in both cities have called for more discussion about the technology. Springfield police on Sept. 26 announced that 25 cameras were being installed to meet a grant deadline, but said they would not be activated for use in criminal investigations pending further discussion.
Citizens have expressed concerns about vulnerable groups possibly being targeted, while police have said that data will not be shared with federal agencies seeking to enforce immigration law and that the cameras will only be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
On Wednesday, the website updated by police said there were 56 cameras operating in Eugene. Since the first installations, six have been vandalized with no arrests made.
"Vandals were cutting poles down and at least one was spray painted." The most recent vandalism took place in mid-July, Rea said. Eugene city leaders have decided to pause use of the cameras pending further community discussion.
Found on Mainstream Media