Thurso play park hit by vandals
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DRUNKEN vandals are scaring away children from a play park in Thurso by urinating on equipment, it has been reported.
The Caithness Courier on Friday spoke to a number of concerned residents in the Springpark area of the town but none would speak out publicly for fear of reprisals.
Locals claimed that between 7pm and 10pm in the evenings older youths are coming to the play park, situated between Springpark Terrace and Oldfield Terrace, to drink and are scaring away young children.
However, local Highland councillor Donnie Mackay said he has asked about the problem and residents told him the trouble only happens "once in a blue moon".
"I asked around and it seems to happen very irregularly," he told the Caithness Courier. "Otherwise we [local councillors] would have heard about it."
But those who spoke to the Courier suggest otherwise.
They claim the slides and playhouse have been used as a toilet and bins have been broken.
Cracked bins and liquid – apparently urine – on the playhouse, designed specifically for younger children, were evident as recently as Friday.
Thurso Community Council chairman Don Smith said he had not received any complaints about the matter but he would bring up the "simply unacceptable behaviour" at the group’s meeting which was due to go ahead last night.
"There was vandalism there before, when it was newly done – it can’t be more than three years ago I think," recalled Mr Smith.
"There’s no excuse for it really as it’s a kids’ play park and the youngsters have got to have somewhere to go. But this is what we say about these issues all the time – if people don’t report them then very little can be done about it."
Chief Inspector Matthew Reiss has called on people to pick up the phone and let the police know if there are problems.
"Residents need to report this to the police as and when it is going on," he said.
"Although some people regard it as petty we know that’s not the case for the people who are being affected by it.
"If it’s reported to us then we will do our utmost to do something about it."
The chief inspector revealed two youths were arrested by Thurso police officers this week for having drunk too much. Both required medical treatment.
He vowed to deal with drunks, vandals and other offenders robustly – regardless of their age.
"Contrary to what a lot of people believe, once you are aged eight and over you can get a conviction and it’s basically on your police record," he said. "There are always repercussions and consequences, even for people under 16, who are detained by the police.
"This can come back to haunt you, especially if while under the influence of drink you do something stupid or criminal."
Officers at Thurso Police Station can be contacted on 01847 893222.
Information can also be left anonymously by using Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111.
