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Bleachers

Stop Metal Theft in Parks

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Parks are where people go in the community to have fun and relax with friends and family. Sadly, there are people within the community who are ruining the fun by stealing metal from the parks. Unfortunately, more and more metal thefts are occurring in the United States. Parks are especially affected by this nuisance crime, and it needs to be stopped.

Parks are being targeted by thieves for the metal within the lighting systems, circuit breakers, but most surprisingly the bleachers and/or benches. Who would have thought bleachers were the target of theft?  But the bleachers are important, and this type of theft is becoming an epidemic. The community uses bleachers to enjoy the day at the park, or even to watch community ball games.  Cities are taking this issue seriously because it effects their budget.

The city must replace the bleachers that were stolen for the sole purpose of the metal, sold by the thieves as “scrap” metal. According to The Park Catalog, many states and cities have been victim to this type of crime. When bleachers are stolen it costs the city about $14,000 to replace the bleachers in the parks.

There are solutions to the problem of metal theft in parks.

Inform the community of the problem. The community is a very important asset to use to help stop metal theft. When citizens in the community are informed, they will recognize when the act of metal theft is taking place and will call to report the incident, giving information needed to prosecute.

Traditional surveillance does not stop the crime nor are images captured with the resolution needed to prosecute.   However, Park Vandalism Cameras, specifically designed to stop crimes such as graffiti, vandalism, and metal theft are essential tools in stopping this activity and providing prosecutable evidence that stands up in court.

Don’t compromise your parks, stop the metal theft.

Park Crime and Vandalism Prevention

Park Crime and Vandalism Prevention

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Park crime prevention is essential. The last thing that a couple would want to see on a romantic stroll is vulgar graffiti spray-painted onto their favorite park bench! Unfortunately, the chances of this happening are extremely high due to the neglect of park maintenance in the wake of COVID-19.  During the lockdown, many public parks have been practically abandoned. When there is a lack of people in parks, blind spots form where criminal activity can easily take place without much risk of being observed. Vandalism spreads and thrives in the dark just like a malignant mold. Public spaces that lack supervision look like a turkey in open season to vandals. A lack of investment in park security will only invite the destruction of public property.

If a community wants to protect its parks so that couples can enjoy a vandalism free stroll on Valentine’s Day, then it needs to invest in top notch security. The most fail-proof way to ward off vandalism is by providing Park Crime Prevention Cameras, specifically designed to provide protection 24/7, even in the most remote areas of the park.  Vandals need to not only be apprehended after committing crimes, but they also need be made painfully aware that their criminal activity is being witnessed. These cameras can ease the burden placed on police patrolmen and provide top notch surveillance day or night. Park Crime Prevention Cameras are not just surveillance, they proactively prevent crime.

Here are some suggestions from the NRPA to prevent vandalism:

  • Report incidents often so patterns emerge quickly, and targeted patrols can be scheduled.
  • Update any security staff about problem areas on a regular basis.
  • Review the positioning of security cameras frequently and post signs about the presence of cameras in areas that are under surveillance.
  • Consider a dedicated website or hotline where incidents can be reported anonymously. Be sure to post signs informing the public about the website or hotline at each location.
  • If on a tight budget, consider partnering with organizations nearby to plan more security patrols, improve lighting or install additional security cameras.
  • Publicize information about the consequences of vandalism on calendars, schedules, the website, newsletters and handbooks.

Take back your parks and prevent park crime!

Create a Safe Park Environment

Create a Safe Park Environment

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The National Recreation Association created an excellent article on Park Safety.  One of the highlights from the article is park management should conduct a Community Based Safety Audit.  A Community Base Safety Audit will give your park a clear indication as to whether or not your park is perceived safe.  According to the article having the perception of a safe park is just as vital as having actual safety within the park.

If the community perceives that crime takes place such as vandalism, graffiti and drug use, they will not visit the park. The article lists several solutions:

  • Programmed sports and other activities
  • All activities include a human presence
  • Clear and understandable signage
  • Lighting that enhances the perception of safety
  • Surveillance: formal and informal

The article also shares success stories experienced by hard to hit cities.

All the highlights help in reducing unwanted activity such as vandalism, graffiti and drug use.  However, creating a safe park environment is not easy.  Besides the physical presence of a human monitoring activities, Park Vandalism Cameras provide a presence.  Park Vandalism Cameras are specifically designed to stop unwanted activities that affect Quality- of- Life.  They are different than traditional surveillance cameras, as the are proactive and provide prosecutable evidence such as a tattoo or ink on a finger.

Work with your community and create a safe park.

 

Maintain Your Parks-Stop Vandalism

Maintain Your Parks-Stop Vandalism

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Vandalism is one for the most common and challenging problems for parks throughout the United States.  Maintaining a park includes unpredictable vandalism occurrences and the costs these criminal acts incur.  It is no easy task.

Unfortunately installing traditional cameras and surveillance systems do not stop the problem.  Vandalism usually occurs in dark areas where adequate lighting is not provided. In addition, it occurs in remote areas where electricity and internet connection are not available or costly to install.

There is a big difference between surveillance and deterrence.  Surveillance is needed for live action video where a police officer or security guard can be immediately deployed. But surveillance video does not stop a crime from occurring, and it is hard to get prosecutable images, especially in the dark.  And then the park is left with the task and cost of repairing park equipment or worse closing the park.

Whereas deterrence does just that.  It deters the incident of vandalism or graffiti before it happens.  Therefore, no costs are incurred to repair equipment because it was saved from the criminal intent. Park Vandalism Cameras are especially designed to stop vandals before they strike, and they capture high resolution images that can be used to identify suspects even in complete darkness in remote areas where there is no electricity or lights.

When your park is closed, you should know your park equipment is safe from the hands of vandals. Your job of maintaining a park should not be made more difficult.

Get the tools you need to stop vandalism.

#StopVandalism #StopGraffiti #PublicWorks #Deterrence