PLAY equipment worth £12,000 has been damaged in Blackburn.
Police in the West Lothian town are conducting extra patrols following a number of incidents of vandalism around the King George V playpark.
The damage includes play equipment being broken, fires being deliberately set, and smashed glass being left lying around.
Police believe a gang of youths is responsible
Officers are determined to find the perpetrators and prevent any further damage.
In the most recent incident, a wheelie bin was set alight causing significant damage to the bin and the Astroturf.
Police believe local young people between the ages of 11 – 17 may be responsible, and are appealing to the communities of Blackburn to help them find the perpetrators.
PC Susan Crawford, Community Beat Officer for Blackburn, said: “This mindless destruction of the park affects the whole community and means that local children are left without a place to play.
“I believe local communities hold the key to tracing these individuals and I would appeal to anyone with any information about who’s responsible to come forward immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 01506 431200 or speak to their local community officer. Alternatively, you can contact Crimstoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555 111.
