NEWTON, IA — A Texas man is facing felony charges after license plate reader (LPR) cameras helped Newton Police locate a stolen vehicle and arrest the suspect early this week.
Matthew Hensley, 27, of Plano, Texas, was arrested and charged with second-degree theft, a Class D felony, after allegedly stealing a 2016 Nissan Altima registered in Colorado.
According to the Newton Police Department, the vehicle was detected within city limits by Flock Safety license plate cameras. Officers located the car parked at a gas pump and identified Hensley on security footage exiting the driver’s seat.
The vehicle, valued at under $10,000, falls within the statutory definition of second-degree theft — involving property or vehicles worth between $1,500 and $10,000. After being read his Miranda rights, Hensley admitted to taking the car overnight, according to the criminal complaint.
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess praised the effectiveness of LPR technology, stating that since its implementation in 2024, the department has seen a measurable increase in successful investigations and arrests.
In the past 18 months, LPR alerts have contributed to:
Recovery of stolen vehicles
Over 30 criminal case resolutions, including narcotics, property crimes, and violent offenses
Locating missing persons and aiding in arrest warrant enforcement
“This technology has proven to be a valuable investigative tool,” said Burdess. “LPRs are not a substitute for professional police work, but they are a force multiplier that enhances our ability to act quickly and keep our community safe.”
Burdess emphasized that all data is securely stored and only used for lawful investigative purposes, with strict privacy safeguards in place.