Police work nabs vandal in the park

By: 
Ann Gill
Editor

The Coal City Police Department has been keeping an eye on the village’s parks and its efforts are paying off.

When issues with vandalism and unruly behavior were brought to the village’s attention a few weeks ago, the police chief and his staff stepped up patrols and realigned security cameras located within the parks.

“Our guys have been putting in time over there and it’s working,” Police Chief Chris Harseim told the Village Board last week.

The vandalism was brought to the village’s attention by the Hope Helps organization, the group responsible for funding and constructing the popular playground located within Lions Park.

Harseim informed village trustees the cameras in the park were utilized to identify an individual responsible for damaging a soap dispenser in the restroom.

The responsible party was from out of town, here visiting relatives.

An $74.80 invoice to cover the cost of the damaged soap dispenser was sent to the guardian of the minor who did the damage.

“If it’s paid everything will be taken care of. And if not, we will go on and do a petition for juvenile criminal damage to property, which we hope doesn’t have to happen,” the Chief said. The young suspect has been banned from the parks.

Harseim said sporadic events have occurred in the parks and his staff is looking into them.

“We appreciate what you are doing,” Mayor Dave Spesia said.

Anyone who witnesses damage or unruly behavior in the parks is encouraged to call the police department at 815-634-2341.