Police are appealing for community assistance after play equipment was damaged and graffiti sprayed on a climbing wall at the Under Twelve’s Play Park at Marchwood Village Centre overnight between Monday, December 3 and Tuesday, December 4.
The play park is funded by local businesses and was opened just eight weeks ago at a ceremony attended by local businesses, councillors and Safer Neighbourhoods police officers.
Safer Neighbourhoods officers patrol the area regularly to discourage antisocial behaviour and low level crime which may occur in and around the play park. Despite these patrols over 12s continue to congregate at the play park in the evenings.
Police Constable Andrew Smith of Hythe Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “We will continue to patrol the area as tackling antisocial behaviour and low level criminal damage remains a priority for the team.
Over the past few weeks we have made five arrests in connection with other criminal damage incidents in the area.
“I would ask parents to assist us by ensuring they know the whereabouts of their teenagers in the evenings and what they are up to."
“We are also in the process of setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Marchwood and are encouraging residents to get involved and assist police with keeping the community safe. We already have a great deal of support from Marchwood Parish Council.”
Anyone who may have information about this incident, or would like to find out more about Neighbourhood Watch should contact PC Andrew Smith at Hythe police station on 0845 045 45 45, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. |
