Appeal for help to combat park vandalism in Darlington
An urgent appeal for help has been issued to help combat vandalism in the borough’s parks and play areas.
Between April and May this year, 73 incidents of vandalism were recorded across the borough and, in some cases, play equipment was damaged beyond repair and had to be removed. The cost to make play areas safe for our children was more than £12,000.
The figure represents an alarming increase compared to the same period in previous years - 22 in 2018, 27 in 2019 and 38 in 2020 – and is even more worrying as we approach the summer holidays.
Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services explained:
“The summer holiday period is when we usually see a peak in incidents such as this, so the increase we’ve seen in recent weeks is a real concern.
“Our civic enforcement officers and other staff will be working with Police, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to tackle this behaviour and will be carrying out extra patrols of play areas.
“But we can’t do it alone and are appealing to local residents and parents to help us. Be extra vigilant when you are out and about and report anything suspicious to Police, and parents can help by encouraging teenagers to think twice before getting involved in such antisocial behaviour, which will not be tolerated.”
Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, Darlington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“It’s really disappointing that a minority of individuals choose to cause damage to public property which is provided for the enjoyment of everybody.
“Police will investigate all reports of criminal damage and I would urge anybody with any information regarding these incidents to contact the Police.”
Keith Wanley, Area Manager for Community Safety at Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“It’s a real shame that these parks are being systematically destroyed by mindless vandalism and deliberate fires.
“Setting fires is both dangerous, reckless and in some cases can result in children not having a facility in which to play safely.
“With the summer holidays only just around the corner, we would encourage parents to speak to their children about the risks of deliberate fire setting and the aftermath vandalism can have on the community.
“Anyone who has any information about deliberate fires in the area should contact Firestoppers anonymously on 0800 169 5558 or use firestoppersreport.co.uk.”
If you spot anything suspicious contact Police on 101 or the council’s civic enforcement team on 406999.
To report damaged play equipment email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk or call 405000.