Police crack down on vandalism after string of incidents

POLICE have stepped up patrols to thwart would-be vandals following a spate of criminal damages to property in Royston.

In the last month there have been eight incidents where damage has been caused to homes and greenhouses on the Burns Road estate in the north of the town.

Royston’s Neighbourhood Sergeant Jon Vine said: “This kind of mindless vandalism causes a lot of distress to the owners of these properties not to mention a huge amount of inconvenience.

“It’s also a criminal offence that could see you getting arrested. Police officers and Police Community Support Officers are carrying out extra patrols in affected areas and we are working hard to identify the offenders.”

Sergeant Vine said officers would be visiting local schools in the wake of the incidents.

“We are going to educate pupils on the effects criminal damage has on its victims and also on young people who may end up with a criminal record which will follow them through life,” he said.

“If you know who is responsible for these offences, please get in contact by ringing the non emergency number ‘101’. You can also report it via Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”

Two 13 year old boys have already been questioned by police in relation to an incident where stones were thrown at a house. They are due to be dealt with by an appropriate criminal justice sanction for attempted criminal damage. Last month police patrols were upped in Green Streets after reports a spate of criminal damage at near-by the allotments. As reported in The Crow, incidents included windows being smashed, a wall being pulled down and a large piece of wrought iron being thrown at a greenhouse.