The city of Española’s Lucero Center was again broken into July 25, marking the fourth time in a year that the center has been burglarized.
Recreation coordinator Andrew Herrera said burglars stole $102 and broke the entrance door window and two windows in the weight room during this most recent break-in. Herrera added that his personal smart phone was also stolen.
In his monthly report for mid-July/mid-August, submitted to the Española City Council Monday, Herrera expressed frustration over what he perceives as the city’s delayed response to the series of break-ins.
“This marks the fourth time this has happened in the year I have been the recreation coordinator,” Herrera said in the report. “In the past, quotes have been obtained but would go no further, due to budget constraints.
“However, after the last break-in, I am confident General Services will get an alarm system installed at the Lucero Center in the near future,” he said in the report.
General Services, part of the city’s Public Works Department, handles structural maintenance and repairs for city buildings.
“The city has had some companies come in and take a look at the building in regards to an alarm system and/or a surveillance system,” Herrera said in an interview Monday.
Community services director Len Cata provided an update to the Council at its work session Monday.
“We are looking into getting some sort of surveillance system,” Cata said. He added that the city will also consider installing a monitoring system similar to the one in operation at the Bond House.
“We’re currently waiting on a few more contractors to come in,” Cata said.
Councilor Robert Seeds said he wanted to work the solution into the current budget.
“We’ve been talking for over two years about cameras,” Seeds said. “I would suggest that during this budget process we (set aside) monies for cameras.”
Seeds requested the security camera item be placed on the agenda for the next Community Services Committee meeting, set for 6 p.m., Sept. 10.