MESA, Ariz. -- Groups of citizens wearing masks protested the state’s photo-enforcement program Wednesday night. They posted signs saying, “theft” or “fraud” at as many locations as they could get to.

One group began its effort at a speed camera on West Baseline Road in Mesa. Members were almost immediately confronted by police.

The two sides debated whether or not the signs could go up. The signs were ultimately posted, but officers took most of them down after a few minutes.

“There are many reasons why photo radar is fraud, but the only one that matters is that it’s unconstitutional,” said one citizen, who did not want to give his real name. “It violates the equal protections clause. It also violates the right to confront your accuser and right to due process.”

A spokesperson for the Arizona Department.of Public Safety said the photo-enforcement program helps save lives. DPS claims that in the first nine months of operation, photo-enforcement cameras have helped reduce injury crashes by 18 percent and fatalities by 19 percent statewide.