Small solar-powered devices have been popping up across Cape Coral — and many residents aren’t sure what they are.“I looked at it real closely, it looked like a solar panel with a little camera on it,” Cape Coral resident Nancy Travis said. “I didn’t think much of it. I figured they’re there for safety. I don’t know exactly what they’re for.”The tools blend into the background, but they represent a growing wave of technology arriving in 2025 and beyond.“To have them out and about, I think it’s just another step in the technology world,” Travis said. “I’m going to go out and look for them — see where they’re located.”So what are they? The company behind the devices says they’re license plate readers designed to help local law enforcement identify vehicles tied to crimes.“Flock LPR cameras take images of the backs of vehicles, after license plates and specific vehicle descriptions, things like the make, model, and color,” said Paris Lewbel, spokesperson for Flock Safety. “That goes into a database where the police department can search for vehicles potentially involved in crimes. It still comes with good police work.”Flock Safety says its system has helped solve more than 12% of crimes nationwide, and more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies use the technology. The cameras began appearing around Cape Coral earlier this year.Lewbel said the data is stored for 30 days, though it can be held longer for ongoing investigations.“It is absolutely making a difference,” he said. “It’s not only helping police officers solve crimes in their jurisdiction, but it’s also helping reunite families with missing people.”Cape Coral resident Holly Juca understands how valuable information can be. Her daughter, Alexa, was hit by a pickup truck in March near Cape Coral Parkway and Pelican Boulevard. The driver stayed on scene, but Juca knows not every case ends that way.“I think it’s helpful to have that extra layer of security,” she said. “Things happen in an instant. If you have information available to help quickly locate suspects or any crime that’s occurred, that is beneficial in getting cases resolved quickly. Having any little bit of information to corroborate a story is beneficial.”Supporters believe every second counts — and every image could change the outcome.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Small solar-powered devices have been popping up across Cape Coral — and many residents aren’t sure what they are.

“I looked at it real closely, it looked like a solar panel with a little camera on it,” Cape Coral resident Nancy Travis said. “I didn’t think much of it. I figured they’re there for safety. I don’t know exactly what they’re for.”

The tools blend into the background, but they represent a growing wave of technology arriving in 2025 and beyond.

“To have them out and about, I think it’s just another step in the technology world,” Travis said. “I’m going to go out and look for them — see where they’re located.”

So what are they? The company behind the devices says they’re license plate readers designed to help local law enforcement identify vehicles tied to crimes.

“Flock LPR cameras take images of the backs of vehicles, after license plates and specific vehicle descriptions, things like the make, model, and color,” said Paris Lewbel, spokesperson for Flock Safety. “That goes into a database where the police department can search for vehicles potentially involved in crimes. It still comes with good police work.”

Flock Safety says its system has helped solve more than 12% of crimes nationwide, and more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies use the technology. The cameras began appearing around Cape Coral earlier this year.

Lewbel said the data is stored for 30 days, though it can be held longer for ongoing investigations.

“It is absolutely making a difference,” he said. “It’s not only helping police officers solve crimes in their jurisdiction, but it’s also helping reunite families with missing people.”

Cape Coral resident Holly Juca understands how valuable information can be. Her daughter, Alexa, was hit by a pickup truck in March near Cape Coral Parkway and Pelican Boulevard. The driver stayed on scene, but Juca knows not every case ends that way.

“I think it’s helpful to have that extra layer of security,” she said. “Things happen in an instant. If you have information available to help quickly locate suspects or any crime that’s occurred, that is beneficial in getting cases resolved quickly. Having any little bit of information to corroborate a story is beneficial.”

Supporters believe every second counts — and every image could change the outcome.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.