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Search forPark vandals put to flight
Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 12:16
The camera was put in place after complaints about young people hanging around the miners' and war memorials, drinking alcohol and using them to perform skateboard and BMX tricks, which had damaged the structures put up to mark the town's heritage.
Seats that had been put in the area in memory of residents' loved ones were also damaged.
The teenagers were slammed for the vandalism by war veterans, but the town council said that putting a guard rail around the memorial to stop skateboarders would "compromise the design".
The new camera, which feeds images back to a police laptop, has been credited for reducing the number of calls officers have received and in turn the number of anti-social behaviour forms issued by PCSOs to young people.
Sgt Pat Moore said: "The camera at the memorial garden has cut out a lot of the problems at the memorial park.
"We hope that knowing CCTV is in operation will help to put a stop to young people using the area anti- socially."
Midsomer Norton and Radstock Royal British Legion Secretary Eric Cottle said: "The CCTV is a good idea. Let's hope it stops any problems near the memorials."
Police are still monitoring the park with foot patrols and are issuing anti-social behaviour forms to anyone under 18 found skating or cycling on a memorial.
They work on a "three strikes" approach, and if a fourth incident occurs, the young person's family will be visited by a PCSO or police officer. Further proceedings could lead to an ASBO being issued.
PCSO Carol Lawrence said: "We have experienced quite a few problems with young people hanging around the memorials.
"Alongside the CCTV, we have been out on patrol talking to young people making sure they understand why they shouldn't be using the memorials or walls for skating on or hanging around."
PCSO Lawrence is behind a youth project called the Nite Cafe at Tea and Trade, in Radstock.
The cafe is open on Thursday evenings to give young people a safe place to meet up with friends.
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