Published: Thursday, 15th May, 2008 11:00
£500 to grass on vandals
By Robert Frische
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POLICE are considering a bold measure to tackle repeated vandalism as a reward is put up to catch the culprits.
Following last week’s vandal attack on Sandhurst’s Memorial Hall police are considering applying for a dispersal order.
And the town council, which meets at the hall, is offering a £500 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Cllr Michael Brossard said: “A dispersal order would be an effective way of stopping youths, some of whom are causing a great deal of damage, from loitering in Memorial Park.”
Bracknell Forest Borough Council and a Thames Valley Police superintendent will have to be consulted to get the order approved.
Dispersal orders have been successfully used elsewhere to impose a ban on two or more youths gathering within a designated zone.
If they breach the order police can force them to move out of the area; if they are under 16 police can escort them home; older non-compliant youths can be arrested.
The order will apply to specific roads and parks with all youngsters being made aware of the streets included. Sandhurst Sgt Graham Thorne said: “We have made enquiries into having the dispersal order as it is a long-term way of dealing with vandalism which has been quite successful in the past.”
A Bracknell Forest Borough Council spokeswoman said a dispersal order had not been put in place at Memorial Park yet, but that it was one of many options being considered.
Sandhurst councillor Dale Birch said: “Our commitment to tackling vandalism is ongoing.
“We are seeking to up the powers which people can use to dissipate gangs of youths congregating on Memorial Park.
“If you mess with us then we will mess with you and if we have to up the response level then we will. I speak for a lot of people who say enough is enough.”
Cllr Birch said that a large proportion of the offenders were not even from Sandhurst yet it felt as though the criminals had more rights than the victims.
The town council is offering a £500 reward for any information which leads to a successful prosecution of those responsible for the damage.
Contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Sandhurst Town Council on 01252 879060.
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