MINTO – Town councillor Ron Elliott has made an impassioned plea for the public to watch for and report incidents of vandalism in Palmerston, particularly around Palmerston Lions Heritage Park.
Elliott made the remarks at the July 12 Minto council meeting following a recent spate of vandalism at the park.
“This is the worst I’ve ever seen it in 50 years at that place. I’ve never seen anything like it. So it’s got to stop,” Elliott stated.
Over a recent two-week period Elliot told council vandals:
- pulled a pump for a fountain off a building;
- broke bleachers at the local ballpark by jumping on them;
- destroyed a bench at a water feature in the park;
- broke into washrooms at the park pavilion and damaged a toilet and a toilet paper dispenser; and
- smashed a window at the Palmerston Heritage Railway Museum.
In the latter incident the vandals took ketchup from the museum kitchen and poured it on the sidewalk.
“I also heard later that they took that ketchup and poured it over somebody’s car,” said Elliott.
In addition, he added, “There’s graffiti all over town.”
“The police are involved,” said Elliott, noting he has called the police numerous times about incidents, as have other local residents.
“They have names of possible suspects … But they have to catch them in the act pretty well,” said Elliott.
COUNCILLOR RON ELLIOTT
“There’s no need for this cost of taxpayers’ money. It costs all of us. It’s heartbreaking for the people that work cleaning the park and I would say most of the population going through town pick up the litter and take care of the park, plus our staff … not only our park but throughout our town,” he added.
“We need the community to take hold of this and if they see anything to report it right away.”
Elliott stressed citizens should not approach anyone they find committing acts of vandalism, but should report it immediately to the police.
“But it’s important that we do call. I think the fear is if you call the police that you’re going to take the abuse of these people,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid of them. We’ve got to stop this, or at least curtail it.”
Councillor Mark MacKenzie suggested things had reached the point where video cameras should be installed “in appropriate places.
“They’re inexpensive, really, when you think about it,” said MacKenzie.
Elliott said he has started looking into costs for surveillance equipment.
“Certainly we need them. And the police have said that they’d love to have the security cameras,” said Elliott.
Mayor George Bridge said the town’s department heads have been working with the police on the problem.
“It’s very tricky and I think you laid it out there right, Ron. You have to catch them sort of in the act,” said Bridge.
“I think as a community, we have to be vigilant and we have to be … all of us out there with our eyes and ears open.”
Co-interim CAO Chris Harrow told council staff are looking into security cameras and have been in touch with security providers.
Bridge suggested the town could initiate a publicity campaign to urge citizens to watch for and report problems.
