One city is dealing with problem graffiti and cleaning up the spray paint is costing taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Now the illegal artists may find themselves caught on tape and caught in the act. The city of Black River Falls has recently seen an increase in the amount of graffiti at its parks and businesses. It is trying to fight back against the vandals with a new camera system.

Steve Peterson says, "We would like to try and nip some of the problems in the bud."

He is the Parks and Recreation Director for Black River Falls. He says he's seeing a lot more graffiti around town, especially at the skate park.

Peterson says, "We have four problem areas that get hit harder than anywhere else in the city, this one area unfortunately lately that’s been getting hit a little extra."

He says so far this year the city has spent $9,000 cleaning up the vandalism, because of this Peterson says he started looking into a camera to catch the crimes in action.

The effective range of the camera is about 200 feet the so the police can see people doing things they shouldn't be.

Chief Don Gilberg says, "We would love to have it in a situation where who ever needs it gets it."

Chief Gilberg says while graffiti is a big concern, the camera could also be used to catch other criminals, like the people who dump trash in an area business parking lot.

Jill Borreson owns the appliance store she says, "We have a people dropping off old appliances, which is illegal…if you aren't doing anything wrong you shouldn't have a problem with the camera being there."

Peterson says the camera system can easily be moved around town and not only can it take pictures but it can also yell at people though its own loud speaker.

He says, "We're hoping to eliminate some of this and get the kids to do what’s right, that's our goal anyways.”

Peterson and Chief Gilberg both say the city council still needs to approve the camera system, which would cost about seven thousand dollars.