HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) — The City of Hagerstown has experienced a rash of theft and vandalism to parking meters that have led to changes for drivers when they park in the city.
Rampant theft and vandalism to meters began in September.
“They were breaking in whatever way they can and were able to get the money out,” Lt. Rebecca Fetchu with the Hagerstown Police Department, said. “Rocks and tools were used in the vandalism and thefts.”
City officials estimate that between the stolen coins and damage to meters, it has incurred losses of $20,000.
Brian Johnson is an administrator for the the city’s three public garages, parking lots and metering system.
“This has happened before but never to this extent,” Johnson said.
City public works director Eric Deike said the vandals and thieves have been relentless.
“Pretty much after we fixed the meters, almost the very next day, they were breaking into them again,” Deike said.
Fetchu said the department’s officers “were actually really on top of this.”
“They were using our city surveillance cameras to watch and look for people and they were able to get some identified and actually caught some in the act,” Fetchu said.
Deike said cash options would no longer be available.
“We have to go to a mobile app. The cash option is still available in our garages but we just can’t continue to have the meters broken into all the time,” Deike said.
