TARGETED police patrols are taking place in a South Craven village after a spate of vandalism in the public park caused more than £1,000 of damage.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information about four criminal damage incidents in Glusburn Park over the past few months.

Incidents centres around the public toilets, where police say groups of youths have been congregating, have included four smashed windows, which will cost the community £560 to replace, smashed toilets and uprooted flower displays. There has also been 'significant damage' to doors both inside and outside the toilet block.

Police, who describe the vandalism as 'mindless' have increased their presence in the area with more patrols in the park to coincide with the lighter nights.

They have also issued a warning that anyone who has committed criminal damage will be dealt with robustly, which is likely to include criminal prosecution and being ordered to pay in full for the damage they have caused.

Beat manager PC Anne Jefferson, from Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It’s sad to see such mindless vandalism affecting a park that the whole community enjoys using. A very small minority are ruining it for the majority and that simply isn’t acceptable.

“We’re working closely with the community to gather information about these offences so we can identify those involved.

“We’ll be regularly patrolling the park and surrounding areas and we’ve also offered security advice, including some ideas to make the facilities less likely to be targeted.

“But we also need parents to play their part and ensure they know where their children are and what they’re doing.”

PC Jefferson urged anyone who has information and is yet to share it with the police to get in touch.

She added: “Anyone with any information about the damage, or who witnessed any of the incidents, can report it on our website or contact me at anne.jefferson@northyorkshire.police.uk “You can also call us on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Anne Jefferson, or share information with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“All information provided will be seen by me and my team and could help us prevent further damage to a valuable community space.”