DEER LAKE — In the wake of several acts of vandalism at the Bowater Field bandstand and the gazebos on the beach, Deer Lake council is looking into installing security cameras.
Coun. Sheila Mercer said this week that there have been tipped-over portable toilets and toilet paper strewn around the area, as well as other acts of vandalism committed at the Deer Lake facilities. She said council needs to take action.
"We need to catch these people and press charges," said Mercer. "I think we need cameras installed as soon as we can."
The town installed cameras at the Hodder Memorial Recreation Complex recently, and according to recreation director Junior Pinksen they have been extremely helpful in curtailing criminal activities.
Pinksen said since the cameras were installed around the centre staff have suspended six people for a year and one for three years for various activities.
The average age of those being caught is between 16-20 years of age and now sadly, he said, the town has to expand its surveillance measures to other areas.
"It's sad that we have to go to these measures, but now we have to (set up cameras) in these other areas," he said.
There was also a railing torn off one of the walkways at the beach recently, and when the Strawberry Festival was taking place last month, he said, there was some activity that needed to be monitored at the bandstand area on Bowater Field.
Pinksen said he hopes to begin installing the cameras within the next month, as the recreation department is already pricing the equipment.
