By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
A citywide crackdown on illegal dumping and vandalism is working, Mayor Dorinda Borer said, as evidenced by recent arrests and fines.
The crackdown was launched after an uptick in illegal dumping complaints over the past several weeks, Borer and Police Chief Joseph S. Perno said.
In response to complaints, Borer and Perno implemented “LotCops” and cameras in strategic locations known for illegal dumping, which, along with what the mayor called “excellent police work,” resulted in multiple arrests, fines and a decrease in dumping.
Perno said that through investigative work and the use of technology, the Police Department identified and arrested several individuals on charges of illegal dumping and defacing city property.
“We welcome everyone to enjoy our city, but we will not tolerate those who disrespect our community,” Borer said. “Our residents deserve clean, safe parks and streets.
“A message to those considering dumping is that we have ‘eyes everywhere’ now and that if you dump or vandalize in West Haven, we will find you and fine you.”
Perno noted that recent enforcement actions against illegal dumping involved two cases in Morse Park off Beach Street and two cases on Spring Street near the New Haven line.
In the Morse Park cases, the department’s community resource officer identified and arrested multiple individuals on charges of illegal dumping, with each offender receiving a $520 fine.
On Spring Street, an illegal dumping investigation led to the arrest of a U-Haul truck operator. The vehicle was towed, and the operator was issued a $520 fine.
Also on Spring Street, a LotCop mobile security device captured an individual illegally dumping building supply waste and mattresses. Officers used the footage as evidence to identify and arrest the offender, who received a $520 fine.
In a case of defacing municipal property, the city’s camera system captured a pickup truck driving onto a baseball field in Painter Park. Using a network of surveillance and the Rekor license plate recognition system, officers quickly located the operator and issued a ticket for vandalism.
“Our officers are leveraging every tool at their disposal, from traditional police work to high-tech license plate readers, to hold offenders accountable,” Perno said. “The swift identification of these individuals proves that our investment in technology is protecting our community’s assets.”
Perno said the city remains committed to maintaining its public spaces and warns that officers will continue to monitor hot spots to prevent future incidents.
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