Chatham County GA plans to install surveillance cameras at L. Scott Stell Park after reports of vandalism and thefts. Signage at the park warns visitors to protect their valuables. At the request of the county Public Works and Park Services Department, Chatham County commissioners have approved a contract to buy four additional high-definition surveillance cameras at the park just off Little Neck Road with the hope of discouraging further problems.

The thefts and repairs resulting from the vandalism, according to department officials, have cost the county an estimated $10,000.

“Because the place is so isolated, they’ve stolen equipment we have, like weed eaters and lawnmowers,” said Lorenzo Bryant, the department’s recreation manager. “They have a lot of vandalism that occurs out there; so you have to go out on a regular basis.”

The problems have occurred over the past four years, according to officials. Last year, thieves twice broke into a storage shed and stole a utility vehicle. About 300-feet of chain link fencing has also been taken.

Security cameras, as well as a gate, were installed near the park’s shed in the summer of 2012 at the large recreation park[…]