Chatham-Kent will consider installing security cameras at some area parks in an effort to curb vandalism.
A motion by West Kent Coucn. Mark Authier was approved on Monday night, January 21, at the regular/planning meeting held in Chatham.
Authier’s motion is asking staff to bring a report on “putting security cameras and also other preventative means for preventing vandalism” in at least three parks.
“Due to consistent vandalism to the restrooms,” Authier said.
The Erieau beach park, Tilbury Memorial Park and Glen Mickle Park in Wallaceburg were all listed in Authier’s motion.
“The security cameras may be much cheaper in the long run then just fixing the restrooms and having the vandalism continue in the future,” he said.
“There may be more parks that are having the same problems.”
Authier is asking for those parks to be added to the list as well.
He also also asked for the a report to include the cost to put cameras in the parks on a tall pole.
“Where they are not reachable to be stolen,” he said, adding he would also like an approximate cost on all vandalism across Chatham-Kent.
Thomas Kelly, general manager of infrastructure, said there are currently 26 different cameras in parks and public spaces across the Chatham-Kent.
A recent poll questions posted on the Sydenham Current showed people believe cameras should be installed outside of C-K park washrooms that have been targeted by vandals.
Out of 91 total votes, 78 people (85.71%) agreed they should be installed, while 13 people (14.29%) did not agree.
The report from staff is expected to be in front of Council by the spring.
Glen Mickle vandalism
This is unacceptable – if you have suspect info, plz call us or @ckcrimestoppers https://t.co/okyDbse4C2
— Chatham-Kent Police (@CKPSMedia) 9 January 2019
Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers officials say the recent vandalism discovered at Glen Mickle Park in Wallaceburg is still being investigated.
Crime Stoppers officials say on Sunday, January 6 the Chatham Kent Police Service discovered that the doors to the men’s washroom at Glen Mickle Park was insecure.
“Inspection of the interior revealed that unknown suspects had entered the washroom and smashed the toilets, and urinals,” Crime Stoppers officials said in a media release.
“Several areas of the building, both inside and outside, and around the pavilion had been spray painted. It is estimated that the damages are more than $5,000. Behaviour like this should not be tolerated. The cost of cleanup for the city affects us all as funds must be used for the cleanup would be better used somewhere else.”
Crime Stoppers officials added: “If you know who did this senseless act of vandalism call Crime Stoppers with your anonymous information and you could earn a cash reward.”
If you have any information regarding this or any other crime call Crime Stoppers at 519-351-8477, or 1-800-222-8477, or visit www.crime-stoppers.on.ca and email your tip.
“Crime Stoppers guarantees your anonymity, we never ask for your name or your phone number. We pay cash for your tips.”
‘Frustration’ expressed after park vandalism
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff and Wallaceburg councillors Carmen McGregor and Aaron Hall have expressed frustration over the recent vandalism in Wallaceburg
“There is no excuse for this,” Canniff said in a media release.
“It is senseless destruction with no purpose.”
Canniff noted that the amount of damage equals more than 1,000 persons receiving public skating or more than 15 hours of prime ice time.
Counc. McGregor called the act “disappointing” noting that the cost of repairs “comes from the pockets of taxpayers.
“We have far better use for your tax dollars than to be paying for these kinds of actions,” she said.
Counc. Hall said, “It was very frustrating to hear about the incident. Our parks are great community places where families and our youth gather for fun and recreation. Incidents like this have a negative impact on our community and are unacceptable.”
“I encourage local residents to sign up for the new online ‘Neighbourhood Protect’ program at www.neighbourhoodprotect.ca which is a new communication tool the newly-formed Neighbourhood Watch group in Wallaceburg is utilizing.”
