Two suspects recently vandalized data-collecting robots deployed onto public streets by the City of Hollister to help officials improve pedestrian safety, authorities said.
Hollister Police are asking the public for help identifying the suspects, and released photos of both May 28 incidents. The photos were taken by the robotic assessment units owned by Daxbot, which reported the vandalism to the Hollister Police Department.
Both incidents were recorded by the robots’ onboard camera systems, police said.
One of the incidents occurred in the area of the 800 block of Fourth Street; and the other happened near West and Fifth streets, Hollister Police said in a press release. In one incident, the robot’s surveillance cameras captured a male subject riding a bicycle, who stopped and approached the unit before intentionally pushing it onto its side.
In the second incident, another suspect approached a robot that was operating in the area of Fourth and Line streets. Police said the suspect appeared to strike the robot before approaching another robot that was recording the interaction.
The suspect then poured what appeared to be beer over the robot before leaving the area, police said.
The City of Hollister commissioned Daxbot to deploy the “specialized assessment robots” for a pedestrian infrastructure improvement program that is funded through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program, says the press release. The robots are programmed to evaluate sidewalks, pedestrian pathways and curb ramps.
The program aims to help the city identify areas where pedestrian infrastructure may not currently meet accessibility standards. The information collected by the robots will help the city to plan future improvements to sidewalks and walkways, helping ensure safer and more accessible routes for all residents, including individuals with disabilities and those who rely on ADA-compliant pathways, says the press release.
The robots are equipped with measuring and recording technology that allows them to assess sidewalk conditions, identify potential accessibility barriers and document areas that may need improvement, the press release says.
“While the presence of these robots may naturally generate curiosity, the Hollister Police Department reminds the public that these units are performing an important public service,” says the press release.
Anyone with information about the incidents can call the Hollister Police Department at 831.636.4331. Those who want to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 800.78.CRIME.
