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Keeping an eye on park vandalism

| April 27, 2018 1:00 AM

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

SPIRIT LAKE — Fingerprints left at crime scenes may be more common, but in this case shoeprints stomped that evidence, according to detectives.

The Spirit Lake Police Department, with its surveillance systems that have been installed in city parks to help curb vandalism, is seeking the suspect or suspects involved with the latest crime. Shoeprints destroyed fresh concrete late Tuesday or early Wednesday at Volunteer Park near 10th and Jefferson.

"We will be reviewing surveillance to try to identify the suspect or suspects," said Heather McDaniel, Spirit Lake Police spokeswoman.

"Someone walked back and forth repeatedly in the wet concrete leaving footprints in the fresh pour and also tracked concrete onto the adjacent sidewalks."

McDaniel said surveillance was installed as recently as last week in City Park. Other parks also have systems. She said the city is currently upgrading its system so police officers can view the cameras from their vehicles to allow for a quicker response and avoid video download time.

"Hopefully this will cut down on the vandalism this summer," she said. "We've revamped the cameras at all locations so the pictures are clearer."

McDaniel said surveillance led police to juvenile bathroom vandals last year. She said the biggest targets have been Volunteer and City parks.

McDaniel said a cost estimate for this week's damage hadn't been determined on Thursday.

Those with information are urged to contact police at 208-623-2701 or email info@spiritlakepolice.org.

"Parents, please remind your children that all city parks are now under video surveillance," a press release states.

"The city works hard to maintain our parks and provide enjoyable areas to recreate for citizens and their families. Please respect their hard work and help protect our parks for everyone to enjoy."