Would Security Cameras Prevent Park Vandalism?

Legion Pool, located on Chatfield Street in Seymour, Connecticut, has been described as a "tranquil" place, where citizens can go to feed the fish. Unfortunately, that all changed on Monday.

On April 12, vandals struck the park, destroying the fish food vending machine, stealing money, destroying benches, throwing debris in the water, breaking steps, and bending park signs. According to Alex Danka, the Seymour Land Trust Vice President, some of the benches that were destroyed contained memorial plaques people had purchased to remember their late loved ones.

The vandals caused about $1,500 in damages.

"Enough is enough. Over the past few years, we have spent so much time fixing up the park for people, and these vandals find it funny to destroy it. Last year, we caught a few of the individuals and had them do community service. But this time, I will not be so lenient. The police have a standing order to arrest anyone caught vandalizing the park. These individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and they will face a judge for their reckless actions,” Danka told the New Haven Register.

Danka also said he feels the time has come to purchase a security camera with Land Trust money, due to the fact that the area can't be monitored 24/7 with human eyes, "I will have no choice but to spend Land Trust money to buy a security camera for the park, with the online ability to watch from home with motion sensors." He also added that the police can't be at the park all the time.

He's right. Having constant police or human monitors at the park is time-consuming, expensive, and ultimately unrealistic. But a quality security camera could be the answer. If would-be vandals know they are being filmed, they are less likely to commit a crime. The mere presence of a camera could be just the deterrent the park needs. And in case the crime is committed, the camera will not only allow Danka and other officials to monitor it from any computer, but police will have video of the criminals, which they can use to release to the media in an effort to identify any suspects.

Despite his frustration, Danka said the park will continue to thrive and refuses to let a few criminals spoil the area for everyone. He's also asking for volunteers to help monitor the park until they can get a camera in place. If you have any information that may lead authorities to the suspects or would like to donate to help purchase a camera for the park, call 203-881-3400 or 203-464-4345. If you'd like to get a quote on a quality security camera, call 877-422-1907 or visit www.camerasecuritynow.com.

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Historic British Park Gets CCTV Security

Earlier this year, the historic Lydiard House at Great Brittain's famed Lydiard Park was subject to vandalism and other "anti-social behavior." The home, which dates back to the 18th century was the home of the aristocratic Bolingbroke family and is currently owned by the Swindon Borough Council. According to the BBC, the council has made the decision to install a total of nine surveillance cameras at the site.

This is not the first time the historic site has been subject to vandalism. Several incidents have taken place over the last few years, costing taxpayers money for repairs.

The park's manager, Stuart Webb, thinks the cameras will be an important part of preventing future incidents and keeping park visitors safe, "Like everybody else, we have problems - we had problems last year. Putting the cameras in place is part of a raft of measures to make sure people feel safe and make sure they have a fantastic time when they visit Lydiard."

CCTV security cameras are being placed in more and more parks and historical sites in the United States, as well. Government officials are hoping the presence of Security Cameras will make parks and attractions more desirable to visitors by keeping crime at bay.

Security Cameras in Government Facilities

In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security requested an 8% increase in their budget, most of which went to purchasing and installing Security Cameras. This government trend toward surveillance is not just happening at the federal level. City, county, and state governments are updating their old systems putting more security cameras in high-crime areas, jails, areas such as parks that are highly vandalized, public transportation, water treatment facilities, government buildings and more.

In Mission, Texas, the local police department has had surveillance systems placed in public parks and other undisclosed locations. The cameras, monitored from the police department, allow authorities to scan the park and zoom in to particular areas of concern. The Police Chief hopes the cameras will deter criminal activity and keep predators out of city parks.

Five national airports - Cincinnati International, Ronald Reagan National, Spokane International, Gerald R. Ford International, and Boise, Idaho - will receive $8 million worth of stimulus funds to add new surveillance cameras to their facilities. The Department of Homeland Security says the Closed Circuit Television Cameras will add a "critical layer of security" at the airports by helping to detect threats and aid in emergency response efforts.

The Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA), in Jacksonville Florida, will be installing security cameras on all buses in hopes that it will prevent crime. The JTA says they want to help keep their riders and drivers safe and secure and should any incident take place, images taken from the camera will help law enforcement identify suspects, if needed.

These are just a few of the ways various government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are using security cameras to keep their constiuients safe by preventing crime and making it easier to identify suspects. If you are looking for a quality security camera system, Camera Security Now can help. Visit our website at CameraSecurityNow.com or call 877-422-1907 to get a fast quote on CCTV & DVR Security Cameras.