Vandalism spate leads to calls for community help
Yobs target green spaces and sports venues
A parish council chairman has slammed vandals in his village after a three-month spate of attacks.
Harrietsham resident Eddie Powell has called for greater “community policing” to combat the scourge of anti-social behaviour.
Trouble began on March 16 when newly-installed play equipment at the Glebe playing field, nearby to St John the Baptist’s Church was damaged.
This was reported to police – it is believed repairs cost the council around £650.
Authorities managed to download CCTV images of the yobs, but they were not able to identify them.
In the same week, Harrietsham Cricket Club in Church Road, also had its fences vandalised.
In mid-April Harrietsham Lawn Tennis Club also in Church Road, was targeted.
Its perimeter fencing was damaged, as well as wood cladding on the pavilion, which has since been repaired.
On June 12, vandals trampled on floral displays created for the Platinum Jubilee in West Street green.
This came after volunteers from Harrietsham in Bloom put up the arrangement. This has also been restored.
Last week it was reported benches frequently used by school children and adults were overturned and broken in Teers Meadow.
Cllr Powell said he was “very concerned” about the situation.
He said: “I am concerned, very concerned, we try to work with the local community, we want the area to look presentable.
“Over recent months, we’re hearing about more and more acts of vandalism.”
The 63-year-old has encouraged the village to act as a “community police force” to tackle criminals.
He said: “We constantly blame the police, but these are such public places, I wish people would act as a local police force.
“The more we do collectively the better, call 101 or take a photograph.
“I would like to see local people more aware of what’s going on.
“There’s a bigger cost than financial. The cost is to the people, it’s de-moralising.
“So many people give their time to make the area beautiful, they work tirelessly.
“But you get mindless children showing no respect at all.
“In my eyes it’s either right or wrong, and this is definitely wrong.
“It’s a gateway crime, people might go up to the next level because its fun to them.
“If the people who commit these crimes can be given a short, sharp telling off it may help.”
A spokesman for Harrietsham in Bloom said: “Our village groups are saddened that mindless vandalism is targeted at those volunteers who do so much to enhance village life.
“It’s a shame that those involved in such vandalism can’t focus their energies in a positive contribution to our village.”
It comes as a blow to the chairman after Teers Meadow was given a Lottery Heritage fund grant of £40,900 to look after the green space.
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