CCTV cameras aim to catch vandals in Royston

POLICE are cracking down on a vandalism hotspot after installing CCTV cameras.

Royston Priory Memorial Gardens have suffered recurring attacks since November, ranging from irreparable damage to mature trees to ripping down of boundary fencing.

Now North Herts District Council (NHDC) is working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary to analyse CCTV footage and identify the culprits.

Cllr Peter Burt, NHDC’s portfolio holder for Waste and Environmental Services said: “I am appalled at the mindless acts of a few vandals that continue to try to spoil an area where the majority of people go to spend time with their families and relax.

Not only does the vandalism put the wellbeing of the general public at risk but the cost of installing CCTV cameras and repairing the criminal damage has to be met by Council taxpayers. This is money that could be better spent elsewhere.”

More recently there have been alarming attacks on the grass area adjacent to the memorial garden’s play area, putting children at risk of serious injury from broken glass.

North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Daniel Lawrence added: “We will not tolerate this appalling behaviour and are working hard to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

If you have any information, contact the police non-emergency number 101.