Police investigating vandalism and arson in Fakenham
Vandals threw glue and paint at the main door of the Fakenham Air Cadets and piled up tyres and litter. Picture: David Abrahams - Credit: Archant
Police are calling for witnesses after arsonists caused criminal damage in two Fakenham parks and vandals damaged the town’s Air Cadet building.
An attempted break-in at the Dereham Rugby Club resulted in criminal damage. Picture: Phil Prangnell - Credit: Archant
A litter bin was torched in Millennium Park on September 23, leaving damage that was so severe that it had to be completely replaced.
A second arson attack came three weeks later, on October 14, in Aldiss Park when a picnic table and bench were set alight. The resulting fire was so intense that the bench was destroyed.
This was less than 24 hours after vandals had caused damage to the Air Cadet building on Wells Road on the night of October 13. The building’s main entrance was found covered in paint and glue.
Town Mayor George Acheson said he was saddened to hear about the crimes and they come just a few months after two wooden benches in Millennium Park were severely damaged.
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“Unfortunately these are now more expenses for the town council,” he said.
PC Rich Dawson, Fakenham’s Beat Manager, said the acts have a big impact on the community. “Local residents will have to wait until they are repaired before they will be usable again. As well as being unsightly and dangerous, there is also a substantial cost involved. I would encourage anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible,” he said.
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Dereham had a similar act of vandalism during an attempted break-in at the town’s rugby club on October 18. The suspects tried to gain access to the building by smashing the main door with bricks and when they failed they shattered a glass table in the garden area by throwing a brick through it.
The club’s bar manager, Phil Prangnell, said: “I don’t understand why they would do it. We didn’t report it to the police as I’m not sure what they can do.
“I just hope that the people responsible see sense and rather than wreck the place come and join in with the rugby.”
If you were a witness to any of the incidents or can provide any information that will assist in their investigation you can contact PC Rich Dawson at Fakenham Police Station on 101.
Alternatively you can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
