Anaheim installing 30 cameras at city parks to help stop crime

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- Anaheim City Council officials are hoping new security cameras will help curb a rash of recent crimes at three city parks.

Up to 30 cameras will be installed at Brookhurst Community Park, Twila Reid Park and Maxwell Park in Anaheim.

"We're talking about 1300 calls for service per year between the three parks. It is a significant number of calls, and a majority of those are mainly nuisance-type calls...," said Daron Wyatt of Anaheim police.

Two years ago, 9-year-old Ximena Meza was shot and killed across the street from Brookhurst Park as she played outside. Two men were arrested.

"The scope of that tragedy caused a community outpouring that really prompted us to look at ways to make parks safer," said Mike Lyster, a spokesman for the city.

City Council agreed to spend more than $450,000 to install the cameras, which will be monitored by 10 to 15 officers.

"It's only going to be looking in the public areas of the park and only for criminal activity," Wyatt added.

Police said officers can also talk to people through a speaker. If they see someone committing a crime, warn them and police will be on their way.

Eddie Winstel, a Fullerton resident, said he likes the crime-fighting idea.

"I'd love to see any time when a camera and a speaker stopped a crime from going down," he said.

The first set of cameras were expected to be installed at Twila Reid Park in February.