What a shame. Earlier this month, Zelienople Council approved spending nearly $26,000 on security cameras at its meeting.

That almost $30,000 sure could have been helpful somewhere else, but it’s unfortunately very much needed in the capacity that the Borough Council has slated it for.

The purpose for the 34 security cameras is to reduce vandalism and other crime in the borough, something that borough manager Don Pepe says is a need.

Pepe said about a half dozen acts of vandalism have been reported in the Zelienople Community Park over the last six months. One instance resulted to the looting of the women’s bathroom that is near one of the park’s basketball courts.

You add up the costs for six instances of crime and destruction — you may just get close to spending that $26,000 anyway.

The cost of the cameras and installation would typically amount to $52,000, but the borough’s 50% police discount does mitigate some of the cost.

What’s noteworthy is that the borough has already installed security cameras and license plate readers around Main and New Castle streets, which are proving their worth. According to police Chief Jim Miller, the cameras have assisted in catching six hit-and-run suspects and three retail theft suspects.

Miller expressed that business owners were happy with those installations.

We think the additional cameras for around the parks will likely prove just as valuable.

It really is disappointing that this is a need, but the cameras will likely deter crime and shenanigans — and offer a route to accountability for people the cameras do not deter.

– TL