Chatham-Kent is one step closer to having more security cameras installed in public areas in an effort to combat vandalism.
On Monday, members of CK council voted in favour of preparing a report that will look at the costs and logistics of installing security cameras in Tilbury Memorial Park, as well as near the public bathrooms in Erieau and the bathrooms at Glen Mickle Park in Wallaceburg.
The suggestion was championed by Councillor Mark Authier, who said constant vandalism in the municipality and the costs of cleaning it up were the catalysts for him getting behind the idea.
"It's extremely maddening. It's coming out of taxpayers pocket. If we can stop these guys, I'd like it to be stopped," Authier said.
Most recently, vandals caused an estimated $5,000 in damage to a washroom at Glen Mickle Park.
According to Authier, vandalism in public places across Chatham-Kent happens on a yearly basis. He believes that installing cameras will be cheaper in the long run than continuing to clean up after vandals.
"Tilbury has been hit two years in a row, so you're looking at $10,000 right there," said Authier. "It's definitely time that we do something. We're losing $10,000 just in two bathrooms in one year. What are we losing throughout the municipality?"
Currently, there are 26 different cameras in parks and public spaces across the municipality. Depending on the information provided in the report, Authier said he is hopeful that cameras will be added to additional public places as needed.