Hagerstown has lost over $20K from repeated parking meter thefts

Hagerstown's parking system supervisor is exploring alternative payment options for the city's parking meters due to a rash of vandalism and theft from the meters.

The lost revenue and damage, which has been going on since early September, is over $20,000 so far, said Angela Zeger. That includes over $15,000 in broken equipment being repaired.

Zeger said the city can't afford to keep fixing the meters when they are just broken into again.

"We were repairing them, and they would break them again that night," Zeger said.

The value of the coins stolen has been estimated based on normal deposits the parking system brings in.

Hagerstown Police have "done a wonderful job" trying to get the perpetrators off the street, Zeger said. Some people have been charged related to the vandalism and theft, but usually they are back out on the streets quickly, she said.

Those breaking into the meters are using tools as well as rocks to damage the meters, she said.

City officials are finding 40, 50 meters broken into at a time, Zeger said. The damaged meters include ones in city lots as well as along streets. In addition to the city's camera surveillance system, some local residents have shared video they have of the vandalism.

Zeger said she has ordered stickers to place on the meters, notifying customers the city will be going coinless while she explores options. As of Monday, she did not have a date for when they would go coinless.

"We have a lot of honest people through here, paying for the meters. And I really appreciate that," Zeger said.

Parking revenue is used to pay for costs such as labor, maintenance, utilities and debt on parking decks.

The city already has a PayByPhone option at its meters where customers can pay via the app or call a toll-free number and speak to a live person to pay with a credit card, Zeger said.

Zeger said she is exploring payment options that include still allowing for cash payment because she realizes some customers don't like using apps.

The City Council would need to approve any new equipment needed for a new pay system, she said.

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Parking at the city's meters is free from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. and all day on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on city holidays. So the metered spaces will be free on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Parking at the city's three parking decks will be free during upcoming holiday weekends and holidays.

The free parking at the parking decks will be: