Cops In Old Town, Maine Say Juveniles At Center Of Vandalism Taking Place At City Park

Cops in Old Town are dealing with issues of vandalism, primarily at one spot in town, and they think they have a pretty good idea of who's responsible.

In a statement issued earlier this week, police say that since the start of summer, they've gotten many calls to do with the destruction of property in or around the Old Town City Park on Main Street.

Authorities believe kids are behind the recent incidents.

"Late last week, we received another complaint involving juveniles damaging and tampering with items in the public restrooms, which has been an ongoing issue. In this incident, the juveniles broke off the paper towel dispenser and left it outside the comfort station, stuffed paper towels into the drains, and threw large strips of toilet paper onto the grass by the playground."

"They fled the scene after an officer arrived to investigate. The two juveniles were later located and detained by the Old Town Police Department. One was charged with a crime, and both were trespassed from the city park."

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The park is a popular spot in town. Families with young children often visit, not only for its gated playground area, but the splash pad that sits alongside the road.

Police say someone also cut a hole in the side of one of the porta-potties in that area, making it difficult for anyone, including small children, to utilize that facility to relieve themselves.

Authorities want to get the word out that any other kids who might be considering mistreating public property may want to think twice before ruining things for everyone else.

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Old Town police advise that any other individuals caught vandalizing or destroying public property will be held financially responsible for the damages and will be made to help clean up any messes they make.

The other issue they want people to be aware of is that while they have had to step up their efforts to deal with the vandalism issue, this takes away valuable police resources that could be used elsewhere in town.

Currently, aside from an increase in nighttime patrols down at Perkinds Avenue Park and the downtown area. Just last week, they say they handled over 100 calls. Old Town PD says spending time on issues like vandalism ties up officers who could be enforcing laws and investigating other crimes.

They ask anyone who might have information about any of the damage being done to parks within the city to contact the dispatch at 207-827-3984.