Calls for increased police presence at Rubery Park

Bromsgrove District councillor for Rubery, Peter McDonald, has said extra police officers are needed to monitor the park after increased anti-social behaviour.

He said: “This deliberate destruction of our amenities needs to be brought to an end before someone gets seriously hurt. These yobs need to be caught and the appropriate action taken; but at the moment they obviously feel they are untouchable.

Vandalised bike repair stand in Brook Road Park, Rubery.

“Extra police officers need to be assigned to Rubery, as a spate of anti-social behaviour resulting in malicious damage to public property would not be tolerated in other parts of Bromsgrove. Rubery should have the capacity to stamp out such maliciously behaviour and those responsible brought to justice.

“We pay our taxes just like anyone else in the county and should have the police capacity as other areas do to stop such vandalism and protect our amenities.”

Vandalised litter bin in Brook Road Park, Rubery.

This comes as a litter bins were overturned, and a newly fitted bike repair stand was damaged over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Earlier this week, a lamppost was also vandalised, as offenders opened the bottom hatch of the lamppost exposing the wires inside.

Lamppost in Brook Road Park, Rubery vandalised.

Fortunately, an electrician was passing and fixed the lamppost for the time being.

Councillor McDonald added: “The maximum penalty for vandalism that costs less than £5,000 to repair is three months imprisonment or a fine of £2,500. If damage is more than £5,000, the maximum punishment is six months imprisonment or a fine of £5,000. Hopefully they will be identified, and the appropriate action taken.”

Bromsgrove Police are investigating the incidents and are urging anyone with information to contact them.