Vandals are holding up the development of the Bailey’s Court Activity Centre with a series of attacks which have included smashing windows and starting fires.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police are now calling on BS32 residents to shop the offenders who have caused thousands of pounds of damage.
Police believe youths are to blame for the incidents who, between Monday and Tuesday, started a deliberate fire under the cricket veranda.
On Wednesday various items, including insulation for the activity centre, were moved from the contractor’s compound and dumped on the nearby cricket field.
Our picture of the new building clearly shows criminal damage with graffiti daubed on the outside.
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Ellis said: “It is a great shame that a small number of youngsters have taken it upon themselves to commit mindless acts of criminal damage which could ultimately delay the completion of the community centre and increase its costs.
“We have introduced extra police patrols in the area in an attempt to catch the offenders and are urging the community to join forces with us to identify those responsible.
“Anyone caught committing criminal damage will be dealt with sternly as I want to send a clear message to the community that criminal damage is unacceptable and has serious consequences.”
Insp Ellis now wants residents to call the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if they spot any suspicious activity.
1 response so far ↓
1 Louisa B // Jul 6, 2007 at 8:31 am
This type of mindless vandalism REALLY annoys me!
Here in Bailey’s Court we had a spate of graffiti late last year where some little cherub decided to daub both the street name signs and road signs with various ‘tags’ and obcenities betwen Huckley Way and the ‘rabbit roundabout.’ There was me trying to remove it with my Mr Muscle spray and the toughest scourer I could find, until one quick e-mail to South Glos Council and the next day it was removed professionally (credit where credit is due.)
As for breaking into a building site, if these kids are literate enough to spell (!) surely they can read the ‘Do Not Enter’ signs. Everyone knows that these places are dangerous and should one of them get injured, or heaven forbid die, I’m sure Mummy & Daddy will be the first ones to try and sue the Contractors and Council.
With regards to the extra costs and delays, all of us will end up paying for them eventually when our Council Tax is increased in 2008. Perhaps it will hit home when little Jimmy wants the newest pair of designer trainers this time next year and Mum says no because the council tax has shot up so much.
Let’s fast forward 25 years and little Jimmy is now in his late 30’s, owns his own home in Bradley Stoke, has a responsible job (maybe) and a three year old child whose birthday is coming up. He wants to hold a party and decides to rent one of the rooms in the local graffiti, damage free Activity Centre - let’s hope that the teenagers of the future aren’t as selfish…
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