Exeter vandalism sparks lighting calls
CALLS for security lighting have been renewed following vandalism at a city play park.
Swings at the Pinhoe playing fields were set on fire in the attack — the latest incident in a spate of local vandalism.
The criminal damage comes after a series of incidents in the city which are being investigated by police.
Two swings were set on fire and were so badly damaged that they have been replaced.
Part of the plastic safety matting was also badly burned in the attack.
Local councillor Ruth Smith said she was renewing calls for lighting at the play park, off Station Road.
She said: “We have been working with the police and young people.
“The police want information about vandalism and I have already pushed for the play area at the playing fields to be lit at night.”
“The damage was so bad that the two swings which were set on fire have been replaced.
“The plastic floor matting at the play park was also damaged by fire.”
Police are also appealing for information following car crime in Harrington Lane at Pinhoe overnight last Wednesday.
Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to paintwork when five vehicles were attacked.
Local beat bobby PC Louise Western said the vandals were thought to have used a sharp instrument.
She said: “One of the cars was on a driveway, another was on a private car park and the others were parked by the side of the road.
“We believe a sharp instrument was used to scratch the bonnets of the vehicles and in one case the damage has been estimated at £1,600.”
And recently, newly planted trees were damaged by vandals at Summerway at Whipton in a city regeneration area.
Six saplings about 10ft tall were destroyed and vandals, believe to be between 12 and 14 years of age, also smashed a window at the Whipton surgery.
At the same time police have been investigating two instances within a week where eggs have been thrown at windows of homes in the area.
Police have appealed for information. PC Western can be contacted on 013452 777444 or email her at: lou.western@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.
7 Comments
by j, pinhoe
Monday, March 01 2010, 11:19PM
“solution tougher penalties instead of a telling off should have to pay for damage and bit of community service for all of us that they have caused to be out of pocket for there behaviour .there were more than 5 vehicles damaged .”
by Tomred, Exeter
Monday, March 01 2010, 5:29PM
“The Dictionary describes a vandal 'as a wilful or ignorant destroyer of anything beautiful, venerable or worthy of preservation'.
There have been such individuals in every generation - sorry to say.”
by TONY, TAN lane
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:41PM
“Well i guess there would be less spelling mistakes with the grafitee.”
by Mark, Exeter
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:24PM
“Is this the latest in "health and safety" gone mad. Provide lighting to improve "working conditions" for vandals. So that they can better see what they are breaking and are less likely to trip over something and break their necks!”
by Da, Pinhoe
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:07PM
“Tut tut. It's easy to criticise Ad when you offer no alternative solution.”
by Mark, Pinhoe
Monday, March 01 2010, 2:02PM
“Ad, lighting would not make them stay later. It's the lack of lighting which makes that an attractive place to go because they can't be seen...
Plus, I'm pretty sure that constantly having to replace/fix vandalised things costs more than installing lighting.”
by Ad, Whipton
Monday, March 01 2010, 1:15PM
“Brilliant idea, now they can stay later and see what they are doing, help the vandals while hurting the taxpayer!”