Council works with police to make vandals pay for crimes

Just after Christmas 2015, a number of young people were photographed vandalising the roof of the Crouch Bowling Club pavilion, a building that is owned by Seaford Town Council and the home to the Crouch Bowling Club.

It cost more than £500 to repair the damage, not including the staff time related to managing complaints and repairs.

If offenders are not apprehended, repair costs of this nature are often met entirely by the tax payer, particularly if insurance claims are not cost effective for the level of damage.

However, through positive action from Sussex Police and the vigilance of local residents, each of the offenders was identified and they were interviewed in order to address the necessary recompense.

Apology letters were sent to the town council, where the offenders expressed their remorse, acknowledging their unacceptable behaviour and poor judgement.

Repayments were also made by all but one of the offenders, who agreed instead to undertake a form of community service in recognition of their role in the activities.

Then, only a week ago, there was a further offence where a glass panel was smashed in one of Seaford’s seafront shelters; on this occasion the offenders were apprehended shortly after the offence and again Community Resolution was put into place where repayment of the repair costs are to be met by the offenders.

In both cases, the vigilance of those reporting the crimes while they were taking place gave the police the advantage; Seaford Town Council and Sussex Police are therefore expressing the importance of reporting any criminal or anti-social activity as soon as it is witnessed.

By using the 101 non-emergency line, this ensures a record is logged and is proven as being effective in apprehending those committing offences.

If the incidents are not reported, or if they are not reported as soon as the evidence comes to light, then Sussex Police have little to work on. If the 101 lines are busy, which can sometimes be the case, you can also report incidents online by visiting www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/report-something-online and following ‘report online’ link.

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