Vandals have caused significant damage to trees in Bournville Park over the weekend. At least two trees next to the playground at the Linden Road end of the park were hacked into with a sharp instrument. The damage was spotted by local resident Ron Woodhouse on Saturday morning who described those responsible as “sick”.
In response, local police will be conducting high visibility patrols in the park. A spokesperson said:
“The incident damaging the trees came to our attention over the weekend. The incident occurred during the evening of Friday 26 February 2010. There have been reports of a dog walker who witnessed the attack, but has not yet reported the incident to West Midlands Police. We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and assist us with our enquiries by telephoning Bournville Village Trust South neighbourhood policing team on 0845 113 5000 ext 7822 6245 or by email E1_nhp_bvtsouth@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk”
The police are today meeting with Bill Rice, chair of Bournville Village Council, and Carol Priest from Bournville Village Trust to discuss the incident. Carol reiterated the police’s concern that the initial witness to the incident did not report it: “people should always call – it is always important to report things to the police.”
Despite this disturbing example of vandalism, Bournville South remains one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city with an average of only 20 incidents of criminal damage a month and the long term trend continuing to show a decline.
pics by kind permission of Roger Shafi (top and bottom) & Ron Woodhouse (others)
[...] Vandalism at the Park Shame that someone has taken what appears to be an axe to the trees in Bournville park. Anyone with … [...]
It is distressing and confusing why people would do this, but it is an interesting note about Bournville’s crime rate. You can quite clearly see the park, so it can’t be a case of children’s boredom.