PLUM BORO (KDKA) — Authorities in Plum Boro are bringing in a high-tech solution in hopes of stopping a recent rash of vandalism at a local park.

Security cameras are now being installed after repeated thefts and damage at Larry Mills Park.

Over the last several months, individuals have set about breaking into the concession stands, stealing items and causing damage. Officials say it’s happened multiple times.

“We have a trailer down here for our community days festival that we’ll be holding in a couple weeks,” said Mike Thomas, Plum Boro’s manager. “They’ve destroyed that to the point we’re not going to be able to use it this year.”

A backhoe got hit as well.

“While it was down here overnight, the kids came down and smashed out the windows,” said Thomas. “Those are not cheap windows.”

And none of the damage has been cheap.

“On average, we spend $100,000 a year maintaining our facilities,” Thomas added. “Unfortunately, a large portion is repairs of vandalism. They’ve probably done 20-grand, $20,000 in damage.”

That’s in just the past few months.

In hopes of putting an ended to the incidents, the borough says they are spending up to $15,000 more to watch over the park.

“High-definition IP cameras, Internet protocol cameras, that will tie in through the Internet to the police department back at the borough building,” said Thomas.

Plum Boro police say anyone with information on the incidents should give them a call.

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