The vandalism discovered at Baiter Park toilet
Local people are being asked for their help in tracking down individuals who vandalised several public toilets in Poole by filling them with cement.
The first incident happened in the unisex cubicles at Constitution Hill. Two of the three toilet cubicles had large amounts of cement poured down the toilet pans. The individuals struck between 6pm on 19 November and 8am on 20 November. The damage was first noticed by cleaning staff when they arrived in the morning to clean the toilets. Unfortunately by this time the cement had already set in the bowls. These cubicles will now remain closed until early in the new year when the new replacement pans can be delivered and installed.
The vandalism discovered at Constitution Hill
The disabled facility at Baiter Park was also vandalised. Cement was poured down the toilet pan and also in the basin of the hand washing unit. The damage occurred between 6pm on 22 November and 8am on 23 November. The cement had not set by the time the cleaners arrived in the morning and fortunately they were able to remove it and reopen the public facility later that day.
Ian Poultney, Environmental Development Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “This is a mindless act of vandalism which serves no purpose other than to inconvenience the local community. Borough of Poole only has a limited budget to repair faults and vandalism that has to cover 26 public toilets in Poole. With large savings to be made over the next two years, it is disappointing that we have to repair such intentional vandalism.”
Baiter Park hand washing unit
Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for a Prosperous and Sustainable Poole, Borough of Poole, said: “It’s beyond belief that people, whatever age, can do this. It’s malicious damage to public property and I would urge anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible.”
Councillor Chris Wilson, Ward Member for Poole Town, said: “It’s unbelievable that someone could be so thoughtless as to carry out such a stupid act. I’d ask anyone who may have seen something to report it to the police or ourselves as soon as possible.”
The cost of the repairs to the vandalised toilets is approximately £2500.
Anyone with information relating to these incidents can contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting reference C14C48401 for Constitution Hill and C14C049112 for Baiter Park.
