Broome Adds Cameras to Otsiningo Park After Smash-and-Grab Cases

New security measures have been taken following a wave of thefts from vehicles at Otsiningo Park in the town of Dickinson.

In mid-February, Broome County officials issued an alert after eight daytime "smash-and-grab" incidents were reported at the popular park.

People visiting Otsiningo Park returned to their cars to discovered someone had broken a window and stolen wallets, purses and other valuables.

Authorities said the items that had been grabbed by thieves had been left on seats in vehicles where they could be seen.

Thieves used IDs and other stolen items to withdraw thousands of dollars out of bank accounts.

On Monday, two portable security cameras were observed in the park. The devices had been placed near a couple of parking lots.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar told WNBF News earlier this month that security division officials were discussing steps that could be taken in response to the series of thefts.

During the interview, Garnar indicated various measures were being considered but he declined to discuss what options were being considered.

Broome County security officers patrol Otsiningo Park. Officials said they would be "increasing their presence" because of the recent problems.

Smash-and-grab thefts have been reported in recent months across Broome and Tioga counties.

Two women reported their purses were stolen from their cars at Hickories Park in the town of Owego last month. Those incidents occurred on a Friday afternoon while their were using the facility's dog park.

A United States Postal Service vehicle was damaged in a smash-and-grab incident on April 2. A window was broken in a van that was parked on Liberty Street. The perpetrator rummaged through some mail in the vehicle but it wasn't clear what was taken.

No arrests have been reported in connection with any of the recently reported incidents in Broome and Tioga counties.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.