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Police lieutenant and recreation commissioners weigh cameras, locks to curb Brooks Park vandalism
Summary
Harwich Recreation commissioners and Lieutenant Aaron Goshkari discussed repeated e‑bike/dirt‑bike activity and escalating vandalism at Brooks Park, including smashed restroom fixtures. The group agreed to explore cameras, electronic locks and hiring night staff and asked DPW for quotes to report back next month.
Lieutenant Aaron Goshkari of the Harwich Police Department told the Recreation Commission that officers are seeing frequent e‑bike and dirt‑bike activity at Brooks Park and other town locations and that the most pressing problem is recurring vandalism to park facilities.
"We had a bunch of them on the tennis courts doing donuts," Lieutenant Aaron Goshkari said, adding that officers have opened lines of inquiry by speaking with parents and school resource officers. He recounted specific vandalism incidents: "They smashed the 2 toilets earlier. Filled with rocks." Chair said that DPW had provided photos documenting recent damage.
Commissioners discussed three broad options to reduce vandalism: installing quality security cameras, adding electronic timed locks on restrooms and courts, or hiring a night attendant/park ranger to secure facilities. The chair reported a DPW estimate of 7,500 for cameras plus a monthly service cost of roughly $91.31 (about $31 for Internet hotspot service and $60 to Alarm New England), and urged caution about spending on equipment that might only capture blurry images.
Members raised practical concerns about camera placement and durability — citing poles that are very high or cameras that may be knocked down — and whether signage or visible cameras would deter misconduct. Several commissioners recommended starting with smaller, low‑cost trials (for example, game cameras) and asking the Harbor Master and the company that installed cameras at Allen Harbor for examples of footage and placement plans before committing to a larger purchase.
No formal vote was taken. The commission directed staff to: consult with DPW and the Harbor Master about existing footage and camera plans; obtain detailed proposals (placement, image quality and maintenance options) and cost estimates for cameras, electronic locks and a possible part‑time hire; and return with cost‑effectiveness recommendations at the next meeting.
