It is damage such as this to the playground fence at Saumarez Park that police hope their extra patrols will prevent.
DEDICATED police patrols will try to combat problems with anti-social behaviour and vandalism during the school Easter holiday.
Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy said damage that was caused recently to the fence surrounding the children’s play area in Saumarez Park was an example of the sort of behaviour they want to stop. Uprights were broken from the cross members, leaving gaps in the wooden surround.
‘Now you have young children playing there who could get out through the holes and into the car park,’ said CI Hardy. ‘It’s pretty irresponsible stuff. There is a minority who think that this type of behaviour is clever, but let me reassure them that it is criminal and we will do our best to investigate and prevent this type of offending.’
Problems with under-age drinking will also be targeted, he said.
CI Hardy said the force would be mounting the patrols from Monday until 21 April.
‘We would also like parents to be aware that during the holiday period we will be targeting this sort of behaviour,’ said CI Hardy.
‘Parents should know where their children are, who they are with and have a general idea of what they are doing.
‘We know that the majority of children behave in an appropriate way and that it’s the minority who cause the problems, but we need the public’s help to reduce this type of offending.’
Police are also seeking help from people who might see such incidents or have information as to who was responsible.
‘We would urge people to report any problems they witness to us, or if they see groups acting inappropriately, so we can get there and try and prevent this sort of thing from taking place,’ he said.
This kind of community spirit sits well with the Respect campaign that is run through the schools and the Crime Prevention Panel.
n Police would also like to hear from anyone who might have seen the damage being caused to the fence at Saumarez Park or knows who is responsible. Call the station on 725111 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Article posted on 2nd April, 2008 - 11.30am
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