Article content continued

1/5 Hamilton Road area resident Ian Maclean says smashed windows at the Crouch Library have remained unfixed for months. And the branch isn't the only place having problem with broken windows in the area, he said. (Max Martin/London Free Press) 2/5 The London Public Library Crouch branch has three different smashed windows awaiting repairs. (Max Martin/London Free Press) 3/5 The London Public Library Crouch branch has three different smashed windows awaiting repairs. (Max Martin/London Free Press) 4/5 An unoccupied building on Hamilton Road has been vandalized with broken windows and graffiti in this photo taken July 5. (Max Martin/London Free Press) 5/5 Hamilton Road business TNT Custom Ink placed an jumbo bandage sticker over a crack in its window after it was smashed for the second time this year, and employee said. (Max Martin/London Free Press) Previous Image Next Image

Maclean said he’s met with Coun. Michael van Holst and representatives from the police to address the vandalism issue but hasn’t seen a quick response.

“I don’t understand why the library windows have gone like this for months,” he said. “The cleanup needs to happen immediately. Whoever is doing (the vandalism) wants to see their handiwork. We need to show that we care, and it won’t happen.”

Van Holst, whose Ward 1 includes Hamilton Road, confirmed on Friday the library has placed an order for new windows and estimates they will be replaced in six to eight weeks.

He said business owners with repeated window breakages could consider adding thicker glass or installing security cameras as a deterrent to would-be vandals but acknowledged the expense of those options.

When asked if cameras should be installed at the Crouch Library, he said, “I don’t know why we wouldn’t do that. The city has cameras in various places. This may be a place where it’s necessary. We might not go through the expense of adding security unless it happens again.”

Nancy Collister, director of customer service and branch operations for the London Public Library, said the Crouch branch has had four or five windows broken this year.

“It’s a real anomaly what’s happening,” she said. “This isn’t something we experience on an annual basis with our branch out there.”

Although the windows have yet to be repaired, Collister said the building is secure, and there are no safety concerns in the meantime.