The Chicago Transit Authority is stepping up its battle against vandalism. The city’s public transportation system said it has expanded its network of security cameras at train stations and on train cars. And most importantly, it is using the information obtained from that expanded security network to arrest those responsible for vandalizing CTA property.

Also the CTA has begun to file lawsuits against the parents of minors who have been arrested to recover the cost of damages to CTA property.

CTA executives said already in 2014, police have made more than 60 arrests thanks to information pulled from the public transport system’s security cameras. The arrests so far this year are the equivalent of all arrests related to vandalism made in 2013.

The CTA said it has filed four lawsuits this week totaling $13,109 against the parents or legal guardians of eight minors aged 14 to 17 that were charged with defacing CTA property.

A fifth lawsuit against an adult charged with felony damage to government property seeks $14,269 in damages. Last month the CTA also settled with another adult who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor defacement of CTA property. That adult will reimburse the CTA for $3,536 in cleaning costs and serve community service hours.

The lawsuits against parents of minors charged with defacing CTA property are being filed under the Illinois Parent Responsibility Act. The CTA said it is only seeking cost of cleanup or repair of damage to CTA property and any lost revenue due to vandalism. […]