Bookstore Burglar Nabbed Using Controversial Cameras, Sheriff Says

Thomas Luxton, 22, was spotted on the store owner's own cameras and later arrested in Dutchess County.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged bookstore door handle, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The use of controversial surveillance cameras helped police apprehend a suspect in a bookstore burglary, exposing ongoing tensions over privacy and public safety.Troy Today

A 22-year-old man named Thomas Luxton was arrested for burglarizing a bookstore in Stephentown, New York, with the help of controversial surveillance cameras. The store owner spotted Luxton on her own security cameras while the store was closed, and police later located and apprehended him using Flock Safety cameras and other investigative techniques.

Why it matters

The use of Flock Safety cameras in this investigation has sparked controversy, with many residents calling the technology an invasion of privacy. The city of Troy recently disabled some of the cameras' features due to local outcry over their use.

The details

According to police, Luxton was spotted inside Braveheart Book and Bazaar in Stephentown on Monday, April 13. The store's owner, Louise Hendry, observed Luxton on her own security cameras while the store was closed. When officers arrived to investigate, they unknowingly walked past Luxton. Police later used Flock Safety cameras and other investigative methods to locate Luxton about 80 miles south in Dutchess County, and he was then brought back to the Capital Region and arraigned.

  • On Monday, April 13, Luxton was spotted inside the Braveheart Book and Bazaar in Stephentown.
  • Officers arrived at the store to investigate but unknowingly walked past Luxton.

The players

Thomas Luxton

A 22-year-old man who was arrested for burglarizing a bookstore in Stephentown, New York.

Louise Hendry

The owner of Braveheart Book and Bazaar, who observed Luxton on her own security cameras while the store was closed.

Rensselaer County Undersheriff Michael Dinardo

The Rensselaer County Undersheriff who spoke to the local news station about the investigation.

Flock Safety

The controversial surveillance camera technology used by police to locate Luxton after the initial incident.

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What’s next

Luxton was charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny and released on his own recognizance. The controversy over the use of Flock Safety cameras in this investigation is likely to continue, with the city of Troy having already taken steps to disable some of the cameras' features.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the use of surveillance technology, particularly in smaller communities, and the balance between public safety and individual privacy. It also demonstrates how new tools like Flock Safety cameras can assist law enforcement, even as their use remains controversial.