Police investigating repeated vandalism at Clennon Lakes
Volunteers say they've worked hard on the site and the incidents are hugely frustrating
Last updated 4th Jun 2024
Volunteers in Torbay say they remain 'frustrated and upset' after repeated criminal damage in the Clennon Valley Lakes area.
Police have confirmed they're looking into the spray-painting of offensive symbols and repeated vandalism.
The lakes were created in the 1980s, but weren't carefully managed for almost 40 years until volunteers came along and helped transform the site.
Mike Langman, chair of Friends of Clennon Lakes, said he believes the problems are being caused by a handful of youngsters and would like schools and police to speak with them - adding: "I would like them to really have a word with the children at the school and basically give them a lecture - maybe about, with the graffiti, what it actually means and what they're actually doing. Speak to them about some of the impacts they're having on the site itself and how it's affecting other people walking around the site."
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson added: "Police are currently investigating acts of criminal damage at Clennon Valley Lakes, Paignton.
"The criminal damage included the cutting down of trees and the spray-painting of offensive symbols on trees.
"The vandalism is thought to have happened around 29 and 30 May.
"Anybody with any information is asked to call police on 101 or visit our website quoting crime reference 50240132154"