Yobs who threw buoys into Quays warned: You could kill...
COUNCIL bosses have slammed ‘mindless vandals’ who hurled THIRTEEN lifebuoys into the water at Salford Quays – warning their actions could lead to lead to someone’s death.
Passersby spotted the orange rings in the water on Monday, along with the usual detritus flung from the banks.
One image showed 13 rings in the water at Erie Basin.
Town hall chiefs have warned that anyone caught tampering with safety equipment, such as lifebuoys, faces a fine – or prosecution.
They are concerned that thrill-seekers who jump into the water could be at greater risk if the rings are not available should they get into difficulties.
Salford council’s licensing and safety regulatory panel chairman John Warmisham said: “It’s absolutely scandalous that this has happened. People need to examine their conscience.
“We’ve seen young people diving into the water and swimming in recent weeks. If they did get into difficulties, and the equipment isn’t there, it could lead to death. For somebody to carry out such a mindless act of vandalism is beyond belief. Anyone who sees this happening should report it to police.”
Town hall bosses and police launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour across Salford Quays back in 2015. Regulations, under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, ban people from jumping from, climbing on or hanging from bridges or helping someone else do so; throwing things at people; interfering with safety equipment such as lifebuoys; throwing objects – or animals – into the water; using abusive language; and urinating or defecating in any public place. Those who flout the fules could face a £90 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 10 working days. If they fail to pay up, culprits could be hauled before the courts and hit with a £1,000 fine if convicted.