Oakland Police Use Flock Cameras to Track Down Sideshow Suspects Across Bay Area

Authorities seized 10 vehicles linked to illegal street takeovers in Oakland, Concord, and North Bay cities

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Oakland Police Department has been using a network of Flock automated license plate reader cameras to track down and seize vehicles involved in illegal sideshows across the Bay Area. Police have identified and towed more than 80 vehicles this year for reckless driving, fleeing from police, and participating in the dangerous street takeover events.

Why it matters

Sideshows, where drivers block intersections to perform stunts and burnouts in front of crowds, have become an increasing problem in the Bay Area, drawing viral attention online but also raising serious public safety concerns. Oakland's use of Flock surveillance cameras to crack down on these illegal activities has sparked controversy over privacy and civil liberties issues.

The details

Police used the Flock camera network to track and seize 10 vehicles in Santa Rosa, Santa Clara, Rohnert Park, Elk Grove, and Concord that were linked to illegal sideshows in Oakland. Anyone who participates in these events risks having their vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days. The Oakland Police Department has identified and towed over 80 vehicles so far this year for sideshow-related offenses.

  • In 2024, Oakland began installing Flock automated license plate reader cameras across the city.
  • In late 2025, the Oakland City Council approved expanding the Flock camera network to nearly 300 cameras under a $2.25 million contract.
  • The current crackdown on sideshows using the Flock camera system has been ongoing throughout 2026.

The players

Oakland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Oakland, California that has been using a network of Flock surveillance cameras to track down and seize vehicles involved in illegal sideshows across the Bay Area.

Flock Safety

The company that manufactures the automated license plate reader (ALPR) and PTZ cameras being used by the Oakland Police Department and other Bay Area law enforcement agencies for surveillance and law enforcement purposes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Police used Flock automated license plate reader cameras to track and seize vehicles in Santa Rosa, Santa Clara, Rohnert Park, Elk Grove, and Concord as part of an expanded crackdown on rogue street takeovers.”

— Oakland Police Department (Patch.com)

“Anyone who shows up and participates risks having their vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days, according to the warning from Oakland police.”

— Oakland Police Department (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Oakland Police Department has stated that the enforcement campaign using Flock cameras to crack down on illegal sideshows will continue as they work to deter these dangerous gatherings and keep city streets safe.

The takeaway

Oakland's use of expansive surveillance camera networks like Flock to target illegal sideshow activity has raised significant privacy and civil liberties concerns, even as it has proven effective in identifying and seizing vehicles involved in these reckless and dangerous street takeover events.