In response to graffiti, vandalism and sporadic car break-ins, city officials in Moorpark, Calif. (about 20 miles northwest of Los Angeles), have approved money for the installation of security cameras at a commuter train station.

The city council recently awarded $163,000 to a firm to install six digital cameras at a Metrolink train station, according to a report in the Ventura County Star. Oftentimes, commuters will park their cars overnight at the station, which prove to be an attractive target for thieves. Benches, raised sidewalks and a large blank wall at the station are also routinely tagged with graffiti.

City and law enforcement officials hope the surveillance cameras will serve as a deterrent, but also lead to an increase in arrests, according to the report. Once the digital security system is installed, city officials estimate the operating cost will be about $6,000 a year, according to a management analyst with the city.

The cameras will be installed in the next three months. Four 30-foot poles with motion detectors will be erected in the north and south parking lots, according to the report. The cameras will record both the train platforms and the parking areas.

As described in city documents, the cameras will be capable of night and day facial imaging. The footage will be fed to the Metrolink communications room, where it will be stored for two weeks, providing enough time to review scenes when vandalism is reported. Personnel at the police station will be able to control the cameras if an ongoing incident is reported.

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