By Associated Press - Wednesday, April 23, 2014

CHICAGO (AP) - The expanding network of security cameras on Chicago’s commuter trains is helping authorities go after vandals.

After police track down the suspects, the Chicago Transit Authority uses another new tactic - suing the parents of offenders who are minors to recover the cost of damage.

Already this year, 60 people have been arrested for leaving behind graffiti, and many of them were identified and tracked down with the help of the video cameras.

Officials say vandalism cost the transit agency $1 million last year in cleaning and repair bills.

The CTA filed four lawsuits this week seeking to recover more than $13,000 from the parents of teenagers charged with misdemeanor criminal defacement.

CTA President Forrest Claypool says the agency hopes the lawsuits will serve as a deterrent.

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