Councilman David Mackie:’Personally,I’ve had it’ (with the vandals)
By Aleen Crispino
In response to recent incidents of vandalism in Hopewell Park, Hopewell Borough Council may install motion sensor lighting at the well house there and is exploring the options of installing security cameras and offering a reward for information that leads to the apprehension of the culprits.
"I think it is worth considering the idea of offering a substantial reward for the identification and conviction of vandals," said Councilman David Mackie at Monday night’s council meeting. He recommended an amount "somewhere in the neighborhood of $500," and said information should be posted in schools, parks and the post office. No action was taken Monday on Mr. Mackie’s proposal.
After a series of "very destructive" acts, culminating in a break-in at the well house on or about July 1, the borough needs to "shift the risk perception," said Councilman Mackie, deterring would-be vandals by fear that their peers will turn them in for the reward money.
"Personally, I’ve had it," said Councilman Mackie.
Between June 29 and July 2, someone broke the lock on the well house in the park, removed paint cans and splattered the paint on the outside of the building, Hopewell Township police Chief George Meyer said Wednesday.
According to Hopewell Clerk Michele Hovan, the paint was green and brick red in color. The estimated cost to fix the paint job on the well house is $2,000, she said Wednesday.
The well house incident followed two other incidents of vandalism in Hopewell Park in June. On the night of June 13 or the morning of June 14, vandals damaged a number of small trees and branches in the park, and, on the following night or early morning, damaged lights and left graffiti on the gazebo and well house door, said Chief Meyer.
These incidents, as well as two incidents of vandalism outside Hopewell Elementary School on the evening of July 6 and, most recently, on Monday evening or Tuesday morning, appear to be the work of the same individual or group, said Chief Meyer.
"That would be my initial impression," said the chief. "That’s usually the way it goes." If the person or persons arrested for such acts of criminal mischief are juveniles, they are unlikely to be incarcerated, said Chief Meyer. The penalty for a juvenile would "most likely be restitution" and possibly probation or community service, the chief said.
He said police detectives are actively investigating the incidents and the department has increased foot patrols of the park and elementary school. While he feels that a reward "with young people would have some value," he stressed the importance of "asking the public to keep an eye out if they see something unusual or suspicious" and calling the Police Department.
Councilman Robert Lewis, who is council liaison to the Hopewell Valley Recreation Commission, said he had begun researching the cost of a portable Internet security camera or a multiple camera system for the park, saying he had met with a vendor on Friday to look at different options. He estimated the cost at $500 to $800 per set.
"In my mind, there are three areas that are the most vulnerable the bridge, the gazebo and the well house," said Council President David Knights. "Should we go to the place of the last incident, the well house?"
Councilman Schuyler (Sky) Morehouse said he thought the cost of an Internet security camera would be $1,200 per set. He suggested upgrading motion sensor lighting as an alternative.
"We have motion detectors on the well house," said Councilman Morehouse. "The lights go on and off. There’s nothing that’s preventing us from putting a couple of spotlights that will flood the area, which is relatively benign and relatively cheap," he added. Adding motion sensor lights to the bridge would have the added benefit of enhancing safety, said Councilman Morehouse.
"I would think the well house first would be easiest," said Councilman Knights.
"I think Sky’s right," agreed Councilman Lewis. "It’s a good first step."
Councilman Morehouse told Mayor David Nettles he would consult with a local electrician to get a proposal for motion sensor lighting for the well house in Hopewell Park. Councilman Paul Anzano cautioned that the lights themselves must be vandal-proof.
Citizens with information on acts of vandalism or other crimes in progress may contact the Hopewell Township Police Department by dialing 911, or (609) 737-3100 and then "0." They will reach a dispatcher who will ask their name, but will dispatch an officer to the scene regardless of whether they provide one, said Chief Meyer. By dialing (609) 737-3100 and then "4," they will reach an anonymous tip line, where they may leave information on past incidents that do not require an immediate response, said Chief Meyer.

