Original sentence: Berkeley, California has had parking meter poles cut off a number of times, leading the city to install digital parking meters with heavier poles in 2000 (which were eventually vandalized as well).Parking meters are visible devices, exposed to the elements.They are also often a target or anger and frustration regarding their use, and if they accept coins or fiat currency, are a target for pilfering
Edited sentence: However, the expensive card-reading device inside has replaced the money as targets of theft.In Berkeley, California, the cut-off remains of meter poles were a common sight during the late 1990s, and parking was largely free (and anarchic) throughout the city until the city government installed digital parking meters with heavier poles in 2000 (which were eventually vandalized as well).Other cities have turned to having meters accept only cards that serve this purpose (such as smart cards).Parking meters are exposed to the elements and to vandals so protection of the device and its cash contents is a priority.Some cities have learned the hard way that these machines must be upgraded regularly, essentially playing an arms race with vandals.The meters are frequently targeted in areas where parking regulations and enforcement are widely perceived to be unfair and predatory