generic Jackson Township ramping up park security after widespread damage from vandalism
JACKSON TWP. – The township's parks are among the targets of an ongoing vandalism spree.
Officials took to Facebook on Thursday to:
Ask parents to better track where their children are.
Urge respect for property.
Warn vandals that extra security cameras have been installed and police patrols have increased.
"It's 43,000 people's property," said Randy Gonzalez, the township's fiscal officer and economic development director, referring to Jackson's population. "The township is all of those people."
On Thursday morning, a post on behalf of the three trustees, Todd Hawke, John Pizzino and Jim Thomas, said vandals have caused:
"Hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages to homes, parks, fences, restrooms in the parks and more. Whether it's from social media, pranks, dares or just plain lack of guidance, it's wrong and will be prosecuted."
Police Chief Mark Brink later posted an open letter to residents with similar information. In it, he stated, "We should always respect other people and their property."
Brink could not be immediately reached for comment for this story.
Gonzalez said vandals have struck houses under construction, and occupied property, since spring. He said damage to parks has been widespread — the township owns 282 acres in eight parks.
Some examples include a vandalized fence that encloses a handicap-accessible playground in North Park, as well as restroom fixtures at the same park and in others.
"We just want people to take a look at what's been going on," Gonzalez said.
In addition to beefed up security measures, township officials will close previously 24-hour park restrooms between 9:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Parks, though, will remain open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.
On Twitter: @tbotosREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jackson Township parks and houses have been damaged by vandals
