Someone broke into a shed at the South Ward Playground in Tamaqua over the past week and once inside, damaged several new tables.

“We need to do something,” said Michele Calkins, a volunteer for the playground association.

Calkins attended a recent borough council meeting to talk about the break-in and ask for beefed up police patrols at borough parks and playgrounds.

She noted that after the incident was reported, a police officer suggested that the association install cameras. The park does have cameras but Calkins said they aren’t working.

“We can’t afford cameras. The season just started. It’s hard,” Calkins said.

Police Chief Michael Hobbs will visit the playground to look at the cameras and determine whether they can be repaired.

“One of the best things to do is get some cameras up and running so we can record,” he said. With the footage, police will be able to identify who is causing trouble - and take proper action against them.

Tom Williams, Tamaqua, said he’s heard people complain about the Washington Street Park.

“Kids are down there at the park drinking,” he said.

Williams said he’s “all for” having places for kids to come together but asked if anything could be done to increase police presence.

“Summertime is here again and we’ll definitely make sure we step it up in the park areas,” Hobbs said.

He added that officers will stop at the parks frequently to talk to the youths.

Tamaqua Mayor Nathan Gerace said the police visits help forge positive relationships. Officers visit schools for the same reason, he said.