OLD TOWN, Maine — The Old Town Police Department is cracking down on vandalism.
There has been an uptick in vandalism involving juveniles in the vicinity of Old Town City Park on Main Street since the start of the summer, according to police.
“The ones we’ve had have all been between 10 and 17 years old,” Old Town Police Chief David White said. “All juveniles.”
Most recently, police said two minors vandalized the city park’s public restrooms. One was charged with a crime, and both were trespassed from the park.
According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, “the juveniles broke off the paper towel dispenser and left it outside the comfort station, stuffed paper towels into the drains, and threw large strips of toilet paper onto the grass by the playground.”
Beyond vandalism, police said there have been other issues involving juveniles.
“We’ve had probably between seven to 10 calls since May. We’ve had thefts calls, harassment calls, and of course vandalism,” White said. “Citizens are complaining that juveniles are yelling or swearing or fighting with each other, and it’s scaring them and their family while they’re trying to enjoy the park.”
Police have addressed these issues with increased patrols downtown and by installing new security cameras outside of the city park’s public restrooms, where several incidents have occurred.
“We’re doing all we can,” White said. “Extra patrols down there, we’re doing plain clothes details — any time there’s a town event down there we’re making sure officers are down there and present.
However, White said increasing police presence for vandalism is a strain on resources that could be used elsewhere.
“Obviously, it’s important and we have to deal with it, but there’s other things going on that we also have to deal with,” White said. “So, to draw our attention away from maybe higher priority calls or situations — it’s taxing. We’re not a big department, so we can’t just throw three people down there for 24 hours, it doesn’t work that way.”
Which is why the department is raising awareness about the issue and hopes to deter future incidents.
“Hopefully people, now, if they see or hear something, are going to call us when it happens,” White saif. “I also believe [raising awareness] helps the citizens realize that we are down there. We hear the issues and we see the issues, and we’re trying to address them.”
So far, White said the new cameras appear to be an effective deterrent.
“We’re doing the best we can with what we have,” White said. “And — knock on wood — it’s been alright for a little while since the cameras have been up there.”
Police said those engaging in vandalism or similar conduct will likely be charged and given the bill for any damage and time spent cleaning up the mess.
Police said they are also conducting foot patrols at night in downtown areas and at Perkins Avenue Park, which has also faced vandalism problems.
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