Browse
Log in / Register
Share
A 68-year-old Shirley man has been arrested after allegedly swiping two automated license plate readers (ALPRs) from a local intersection, according to Suffolk County police. The theft, which occurred last week, has raised questions about security of the surveillance equipment used by law enforcement.
The Arrest and Charges
On April 10, 2025, police responded to a report of stolen Axon license plate readers installed on Moriches-Middle Island Road near Glen Drive in Shirley. The next day, officers tracked down the suspect, Miguel Perez, on Carnation Drive in the same hamlet. He was taken into custody without incident.
Perez was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony. He received a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office will ultimately determine the case’s path.
Why These Devices Matter
Automated license plate readers are mounted on poles or traffic signals and capture images of every vehicle’s license plate that passes by. The data is stored and cross-referenced against databases of stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, and Amber Alerts. Law enforcement agencies across the country, including the Suffolk County Police Department, rely on them for real-time investigative leads.
The stolen Axon units are part of a growing network of high-tech crime-fighting tools. Axon, the company best known for Tasers and body cameras, acquired the ALPR technology in 2021. Each unit can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, making the theft of two devices a significant loss not only in hardware but also in the intelligence gap they leave behind.
Exclusive Insight: Community Reactions and Police Response
Neighbors in Shirley expressed surprise that a 68-year-old man would be involved in such a crime. “I’ve seen him around, he’s a quiet guy. It’s shocking,” said a resident who asked not to be named. Police, however, caution that property crimes involving surveillance equipment are on the rise, often for resale or to disable monitoring in high-crime areas.
A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Property/Auto Crime Section told Newsday that detectives are investigating whether Perez acted alone or was part of a larger operation. “These devices are a key part of our investigative toolkit. Their theft hinders our ability to solve crimes quickly,” the spokesperson said.
The police department is now reviewing security measures for its remaining ALPRs, including tamper-proof mounting brackets and GPS tracking. Some agencies have already begun using concrete-reinforced poles and alarm systems.
Legal Context: Grand Larceny in New York
Under New York Penal Law, fourth-degree grand larceny is defined as stealing property valued between $1,000 and $3,000. Since the two Axon readers likely exceed $3,000 combined, the charge could potentially be upgraded to third-degree grand larceny if the total value is confirmed. That would carry a heavier penalty, including up to seven years in prison.
Desk appearance tickets are common for first-time nonviolent offenders, but the seriousness of stealing law enforcement equipment may influence the court’s decision.
What Happens Next
Perez is expected to appear in court within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the Suffolk County Police Department is urging anyone with information about the theft or other suspicious activity to contact the Property/Auto Crime Section at 631-852-6429. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
The incident highlights a growing challenge: as cities invest in smart surveillance, criminals are finding ways to steal or disable the devices. For now, the Shirley community watches as the case unfolds, wondering if the theft was an isolated act or a sign of a larger trend.
Final Thoughts
Automated license plate readers are a powerful crime-fighting tool, but their vulnerability to theft remains a concern. The arrest of Miguel Perez serves as a reminder that law enforcement must constantly adapt to protect the very technology that protects them.
This article was updated on April 11, 2025, to reflect the latest developments in the case.
