Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 4:00pm

Patrols stepped up to stop vandlaism

by Jim Stark

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The gate to the ground is thrown on the ground.

POLICE will be increasing patrols in part of Ballingry after another outbreak of vandalism at Dallas Doyle Park in the village.

Last weekend a five foot gate was ripped from the fence posts by unwelcome visitors and thrown on the turf four months after people tore fencing down.

And Benarty Amateur Football Club's Laura Comiskey said that this was only part of the problems the club was experiencing.

She said, "There seemed absolutely no reason for this damage but each weekend we are also experiencing glass bottles being smashed and the broken fragments being scattered onto the playing surface and surrounding area making it dangerous for players.

"We have to spend a lot of time ensuring the glass is removed from the pitch before games can go ahead."

Benarty FC and Ballingry Rovers Colts use the Dallas Doyle Park facilities and the players of both clubs are dismayed by the work of the unwelcome visitors.

Added Laura, "Vandalism about the area of the ground seems to be becoming a very common occurrence"

Police in Benarty are to take action to try to stop the wreckers' work in and around the facility.

Local Community Sergeant Stuart Clark said, "The area of the Dallas Doyle Park, is patrolled on a regular basis by local officers and previous damage caused to the fence surrounding the park in November 2009, resulted in five local youths being charged, after extensive local enquiries. In respect of the damage to the perimeter fence caused recently, an investigation into this incident is ongoing, and as part of "Operation Crack It", local door to door enquiries have been carried out in the vicinity of the park and local residents have been surprised to hear that damage has occurred, as they have have not seen or heard any person(s) being present within this area recently.

"As a result of this wanton act of vandalism, the area of the park will for the forseeable future be given additional attention during the course of patrols by local officers".

He added, "The damage caused within the park has an adverse effect within our community and as such I would urge any members of the community who may have information regarding those responsible to contact Fife Constabulary on 0845 600 5702."