London police are turning to the public for help tracking down the vandals responsible for extensive property damage at two area soccer fields and a city-run golf course.
The incidents happened between January 16 and January 25 at Greenway Park, the Stronach Community Centre, and Thames Valley Golf Club. In each case, the soccer fields or golf course was torn up by tire tracks.
Damage from the joyrides is said to be extensive.
“We take great pride in caring for the parks and recreation space we have to offer in London,” Jon Paul McGonigle, the city's parks and recreation division manager said in a statement. “With the rain, we had last spring and summer, it was an especially challenging season for our outdoor spaces, so it’s discouraging to see the vandalism now. Not only will it take time and effort to repair the damages, it will also cost money and may impact when sport participants can begin using these fields next season.”
As the investigation into the vandalism continues, police are calling on anyone who notices anything suspicious or property being damaged in community spaces to call 911 immediately.
Dave O’Brien, London's manager of corporate security stressed the city is treating the incidents as serious.
“We’re working with police to explore every avenue to identify suspects and the city intends to pursue charges,” said O'Brien.
The vandalism first came to light in a tweet by the City of London following the damage done to the Greenway Park soccer field on January 16.
"One night of 'fun' can mean weeks of staff time and resources to repair... We are saddened to see the damage to Greenway park soccer field this week," the tweet read.
Police are asking anyone with information about the vandalism to call them at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
