Page 3 - Vandalism Reports

The Oshkosh Parks Department is seeking assistance in identifying the culprits behind repeated acts of vandalism in the community's parks. Recently, the central restrooms in Menominee Park suffered significant damage. The cost of repairs, including the items destroyed in the restrooms and the labor hours for restoration, is anticipated to be in the thousands of dollars. The Oshkosh Police Department is urging anyone with information about the vandalism or any suspicious activities in the parks to contact their non-emergency number at 920-236-5700.

https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Help-needed-finding-vandals-of-Oshkosh-park-restrooms-566981001.html

The men's restroom at Glur Park in Columbus faced vandalism on August 16, with the toilet paper dispenser found inside the toilet and urinal, and trash scattered around. This incident comes after recent repairs to Pawnee Park's toilets, which had suffered firework damage on July 4th, costing $600 each. The Glur Park restrooms, which had been operational throughout the summer, will now remain closed until a cost-effective preventive measure is identified. Betsy Eckhardt, City Parks and Recreation Director, emphasized the financial strain of such vandalism on the department's budget and its impact on the public's use of park facilities. She also praised the maintenance staff for their efforts and expressed concern about the lack of respect shown by some community members towards the parks.

Orkney Islands Council has raised concerns over the increasing incidents of vandalism and damage to public toilets across the county. Recent weeks have seen facilities at the Pier Head, Ferry Road in Stromness, St Magnus Lane, and the Travel Centre in Kirkwall being targeted. The damages include graffiti, destruction of doors, and even fire damage at the Shapinsay Slip public toilet. The Finstown facilities were also vandalized twice, with items like liquid soap and sanitary products scattered, creating hazardous conditions. Hayley Green, OIC’s Head of IT and Facilities, highlighted the additional costs and potential closures due to these acts. Councillor Graham Sinclair emphasized the importance of these facilities and urged the public to report any information to the police.

Accessible toilet facilities on Albert Street in Holt have been vandalized for the second time this week, with damages to the toilet and electrical fittings. This follows a similar incident in mid-June. The North Norfolk District Council has reported the vandalism to the police, who are currently investigating. The council has spent over £8,000 this financial year on repairs to public toilets in North Norfolk due to deliberate damage. Cllr. Tim Adams, Leader of North Norfolk District Council, expressed his disappointment and highlighted the significant costs and inconvenience to the public. He urged the community to report any incidents or misuse of public facilities to the authorities.

https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/news/2022/october/public-facilities-vandalised-in-holt/

Public parks in Delft, Cape Town, once places of recreation, are now in ruins due to rampant vandalism. Many parks, some decades old, have been turned into dumping grounds with fences, gates, and play equipment being stolen or destroyed. The City of Cape Town has allocated a budget for repairs, but intimidation of contractors has halted progress. For instance, the park in Mozart Street, Delft South, which used to be a family-friendly space, is now overrun with weeds, broken fences, and is being used as a dump site. The City urges residents to protect their infrastructure and report any suspicious activities. Ward 25 Councillor Phumla Tause emphasized the need for community involvement, stating that while residents complain, they also need to play a part in safeguarding their parks.

Payette City Council is grappling with the issue of vandalism in public park restrooms. Currently, restrooms at Kiwanis Park and other parks remain locked even during daytime due to consistent vandalism. As a temporary solution, the city has deployed portable toilets, costing over $10,000 annually. Councilor Daniel Lopez highlighted the financial strain, suggesting the need for deterrents to prevent vandalism. Despite installing prison-grade toilets in Kiwanis Park, vandals continue to clog them with objects like water bottles, leading to labor-intensive maintenance. The council is considering security measures, including cameras, to curb the issue. Mayor Craig Jensen also pointed out similar vandalism challenges faced by nearby Ontario's parks.

Public washrooms in Surrey, particularly in the Cloverdale area, have been subjected to extensive vandalism over the past few months. The damages range from smashed toilets and broken doors to stolen soap dispensers. Surrey RCMP believes these acts may be linked to the 'devious licks' TikTok challenge, where individuals film themselves causing damage to washrooms and post the videos online. Const. Sarbjit Sangha of Surrey RCMP emphasized the significance of the damages and urged parents to educate their children about the consequences of such actions. The 'devious lick' trend, which originated in the U.S., was banned by TikTok in September 2021 for promoting illegal activities.

https://www.surreynowleader.com/news/devious-licks-tiktok-trend-may-be-connected-to-surrey-public-bathroom-vandalism-2982946

TVA Lakeshore Park near Kingston in Roane County faced significant vandalism this week. Vandals wrote crude language on the walls and shattered toilets and sinks. The park, located next to the Kingston Fossil plant, is a popular spot for the community. Jim Hopson, spokesman for the TVA, expressed disappointment, stating that such acts hurt the entire community. The vandalism on federal property, like TVA Lakeshore Park, is considered a federal crime. The TVA police, along with other federal, state, and local agencies, are currently investigating the incident. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities, especially on or near TVA property, to the TVA hotline at 855-476-2489.

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/vandals-strike-bathroom-at-tva-lakeshore-park-in-roane-county/51-532578942

Bathrooms at the King Road Park in Marine City, largely used by the Marine City Little League, were discovered vandalized on April 10. The damages, estimated at $750, ranged from cigarette ashes in sinks, a vape in a toilet, to a completely smashed toilet. Two of the four bathrooms were affected, with one having its toilet paper holder and paper towel dispenser removed. The community has rallied in support, with LaFontaine Chevy, Buick GMC St. Clair donating $750 for repairs and Flats Epoxy in Ira Township offering to fix the bathroom floors. Marine City Little League President, Dan Van de Vyver, expressed gratitude for the community's response and mentioned potential discussions about installing cameras at the park.

https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2023/04/13/marine-city-little-league-bathrooms-vandalized/70112279007/

labaster city parks have been hit by a series of vandalization incidents, prompting the city to appeal to parents for help in curbing the defacement. Vandals have targeted park restrooms, causing damage to plumbing, fixtures, and spraying graffiti on walls. Some of the graffiti was so profane that the city couldn't share images of it. Neal Wagner, Public Relations Manager, expressed concern over the increasing frequency and severity of these incidents. He highlighted the extra expenses incurred for repairs and the inconvenience caused by temporary restroom closures. The city emphasizes that public areas in parks are under video surveillance, and those caught vandalizing will face criminal charges. Parents are urged to supervise their children in parks and educate them about the consequences of damaging public property.