Citizens can help officials take aim at curbing vandalism

EDITORIAL

By Ruth Luse
   We agree wholeheartedly with Hopewell Borough Councilman David Mackie who said July 9: "Personally, I’ve had it."
   Mr. Mackie was speaking at a council meeting about vandalism and, in particular, recent incidents in Hopewell Park.
   Those incidents have included some "very destructive" acts, culminating in a break-in at the well house, located in the park at South Greenwood and Columbia avenues.
   Between June 29 and July 2, according to police Chief George Meyer, someone broke the lock on the well house, removed paint cans and splattered the paint on the outside of the building. According to borough Clerk Michele Hovan, fixing up that damage will cost about $2,000.
   In June, vandals damaged some small trees and branches in the park, damaged lights and left graffiti on the gazebo and well house door. Recent incidents of vandalism involving the Hopewell Elementary School also have been reported.
   As of result of these incidents, members of Hopewell Borough Council are seriously thinking about ways to curb vandalism in town. They are considering offering rewards for information leading to the identification and conviction of vandals. They also are considering the installation of security cameras in key park areas, such as the bridge, the gazebo and the well house.
   Whatever they decide to do, it certainly is about time. Hopewell Borough — not the only victim of vandals these days — is no stranger to incidents of willful destruction. There have been periods, on and off, over the last four decades when residences, businesses, motor vehicles, street lanterns, etc., were targets of vandals. Back in the days when the late Robert M. Dodson was Hopewell’s police chief — prior to the early 1980s — the town often suffered damage to or loss of property.
   Today, cases of criminal mischief appear to be on the rise Valley-wide. We publish reports about this scourge almost weekly in POLICE BLOTTER.
   We cannot help but wonder — as many others in the Valley probably do, as well — what makes people destroy property for no apparent reason. Are they bored with the beauty of Hopewell Valley? Are they doing these things because they are on drugs or under the influence of alcohol? If young, are they angry with their families, or teachers?
   Since it appears we cannot deal quickly with the causes of this kind of behavior, our only realistic recourse is to find ways to identify and punish those responsible for destroying or marring the property of others. In the case of Hopewell Park, we are talking about a place that belongs to the people — the taxpayers.
   We, as a community, can help, if we have the courage to get involved. We urge Hopewell Borough and Hopewell Township residents who have information about cases of vandalism and/or other crimes in progress to contact the Hopewell Township Police Department by dialing 911, or (609) 737-3100 and then 0. A dispatcher will ask your name, but even if you do not give it, he/she will send an officer to the scene. If you want to leave information about past incidents that do not require an immediate response and you want to remain anonymous, call (609) 737-3100 and then 4.
   Police always have asked the public to keep an eye out and to report anything unusual or suspicious. We urge area citizens to do this. If we expect our government leaders and law enforcement officials to address problems like this, the least we all could do is help make their job easier. A vandalism-free community certainly is worth the effort.
   Meanwhile, we applaud Hopewell Council for seriously looking at a societal ill that affects us all.