Bridgeport police are stepping up security after vandals caused $2,500 in damage by setting fire to a ball field used by disabled children.

A representative from the Tarkett Sports Company was at the Blackham School field on Thorme Street to replace the artificial turf that was torched. Company officials gave a special discount to the city because the turf was originally donated two years ago by a national nonprofit to allow children to play Little League.

North End Little League also partnered with City Councilwoman Michelle Lyons to ask for better security.

Police say they will step up patrols and install high-definition security cameras to combat the problem.

"This is a wonderful thing that's going to take place -- having these cameras placed over in the park here, because now you're going to be watched," says Bridgeport Police Chief AJ Perez.

Lyons says she's been fighting for the extra security for years and the vandalism just sped up the process of getting it.

Police say the cameras, which were paid for by a federal grant, will be installed on Tuesday.