Criminal damage left as youths descend on Easebourne park

A gathering of teenagers in Easebourne park on Friday left smashed glass, drug paraphernalia and 'unacceptable' criminal damage in its wake.
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On Friday (March 19) Easebourne residents were shaken to see snapped trees, smashed vodka bottles and an array of criminal damage left at the award-winning park.

A clothing donation bin was tipped on its side and donated items, meant to go to charity, was strewn across the park.

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Sussex Police has said it is investigating the incident and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The Roundhouse in Easebourne parkThe Roundhouse in Easebourne park
The Roundhouse in Easebourne park

'We need to put a stop to this': vandals strike again at community parkVandalism has been a recurring issue for the parish council which crowd-funded thousands of pounds to install a CCTV system at the park.

Ian Milne, head of Easebourne park team, described the teens as a 'thoroughly unpleasant group of youths'.

He said: "It's really disappointing. The park is covered by CCTV and the parish council is currently looking into extracting the images from the CCTV.

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Thousands to be spent protecting Easebourne park as vandal 'miscreants' return"If youths want to come to use the park in the evening and if they want to come and have a quiet time in the roundhouse, we are all for that, but to leave debris all over the park and to cause criminal damage and to be gathered in those numbers at this time - it is just completely unacceptable."

Clothing items meant to go to charity were left strewn across the parkClothing items meant to go to charity were left strewn across the park
Clothing items meant to go to charity were left strewn across the park

A spokesman for Sussex Police said on social media: "We are seeking any info that could assist us with our investigation into reports of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour that occurred at the Easebourne play park during the evening of Friday March 19.

Vandals leave smashed glass and drugs strewn across Easebourne Park"Officers attended following reports however we’re still appealing for witnesses.

"If anyone has any information or video footage please contact Neighbourhood Youth Officer PC David Phillips on [email protected] quoting serial1746 of 19/03.

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"Please report anti-social behaviour to us by calling 101 or via the website. If it’s an emergency, please dial 999."

One of the trees that was allegedly snapped by the youthsOne of the trees that was allegedly snapped by the youths
One of the trees that was allegedly snapped by the youths

Midhurst Rother College has also offered its support to police should it be needed.

Artisan bandstand in Easebourne Park will be ‘enjoyed by generations to come’A spokesman for Midhurst Rother College said: "We are aware of reports on social media about an incident and stand ready as you would expect to liaise with the appropriate authorities if approached."