Appeal for information after anti-social behaviour causes park destruction

AN APPEAL for information has been issued after mindless vandals were caught on camera destroying signage in a park.

CCTV footage captured two individuals kicking at the Rumbles café sign at Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone, owned by Newark and Sherwood District Council. 

On the morning of Thursday, January 21, District Council park rangers not only discovered the bent and vandalised sign, but also were horrified and appalled to discover human poo outside the main centre.

The Council, in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police is appealing for any information by emailing sherwoodsnt@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk. 

Information can also be reported anonymously via CrimeStoppers. 

Vicar Water Park Ranger, Matt Smith, said: “I had arrived at work on the morning of the 21st January and noticed that the sign was leaning backwards. I checked the CCTV and was shocked to see somebody kicking it repeatedly for no good reason other than to cause mindless damage. Hopefully somebody will recognise the person from the footage and come forward.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader, David Lloyd, said: “I am utterly disgusted and appalled by this behaviour. These selfish actions showed a complete disregard for the park that our rangers are so committed to keeping immaculate for people to enjoy, but also to café staff.

“Under the current lockdown restrictions, parks are one of the few places that our community and residents should be able to enjoy and acts such as this will not be left unturned. Every avenue will be explored to find the perpetrators and if you have any information or witnessed the events leading up to the incident please help the investigation by contacting the Police on 101.”

Police Sergeant Christian Hurley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are working closely with the local council following the anti-social behaviour reported to the force last month.

“We will be liaising with the local ranger and the council to assess the extent of damage caused and will work with our colleagues to review their CCTV of the events for potential evidence.

“I’d encourage anyone with any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible on 101.”

This is not the first time that Vicar Water Country Park has been targeted by mindless vandals. In November last year, illegal 5^th November activities at the park caused incidents of criminal damage and arson.

The actions led to a burnt bench, litter and firework remnants being found. Signage at the top of the heath was also completely ruined, beyond repair.

The CCTV footage video from the recent vandalism can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/SherwoodNorthPolice/videos/2524821291145356