Vandals strike at two Swadlincote parks as police issue 'knock on the door' warning

Swadlincote Police highlighted vandalism at two of the town's parks this month.

Goalposts were pulled out of the ground on a football pitch at Eureka Park last week, and gates and waste bins were damaged at Newhall Park on Sunday.

Police say they were able to question one of the four youths - an 18 year old - spotted during the Newhall Park incident.

But they have also urged the parents of those youngsters to ask them what they were doing on the dates mentioned by police in a social media post addressing the two incidents.

Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team posted: "On the evening of February 2, damage was caused to the goalposts on Eureka Park by pulling four of them out of the ground and leaving them on the ground.

"A motorbike was also located in the alleyway towards Belmont Street which was later found to be stolen.

"On the evening of February 6, at approximately 10pm, damage was caused to the gates and bins at Newhall Park by a group of four youths all in dark clothing. "Damage had also been caused to two vehicles parked on Orchard Street. "On Police arriving, the group ran off but one was later located and arrested nearby by officers and taken to custody. "An 18 year old male has been interviewed and released under investigation whilst enquiries continue. "To the ones that ran off, we would suggest you come and speak to us before you get a knock at your door! "We have had to explain to the younger children on the park that older youths have caused this damage who should know better. "PARENTS - if your child was out on these dates, please ask questions as to what they were doing."