BOUNTIFUL (ABC 4 News) - In another step towards stopping its ongoing problem with vandals and drug users, Bountiful City is installing surveillance cameras in some of its city parks and facilities.
It's entire system will cost the city and its tax payers over $35,000. Bountiful has received numerous donations from residents to help pay for the project.
Lieutenant Ed Biehler with Bountiful Police is playing a big part in the project. He says vandals cause $10,000-$15,000 worth of damage to city property each year.
"We feel that by funding this type of project, we will be able to offset some of those costs later down the road," said Biehler.
Biehler goes on to tell ABC 4 the security cameras will be installed at North Canyon Park, 4th North Park, at the city's golf course, cemetery, landfill and at the Hidden Lake Trailhead. Biehler says the city has had problems with underage drinking and drug use at some of these locations.
"If people know that there's surveillance cameras there, then oftentimes they're less likely to commit crimes, thinking people are watching them," said Biehler. "Another aspect is once we do have crimes that take place, we have an avenue to be able to go back and look at surveillance video to track those people down."
Bountiful neighbors ABC 4 News spoke with say the surveillance system is a good idea.
"I think so," said Bountiful resident Brooke Barton. "I think kids are smart enough that if they know there's surveillance cameras around, they're not going to want to do things that'll get them in trouble."
Barton's neighbor, Jeanenne Larson, agrees.
"I think the more surveillance cameras and systems they have, the safer things are," she said.
The city hopes to have the equipment purchased this week and have the entire system installed by next month.
