Teenagers responsible for trashing Sunderland park warned police will be knocking on their door

Thompson Park in Southwick was targeted by criminals earlier this month with changing room windows smashed and the play area’s soft surface damaged.

Northumbria Police say inquiries have identified a group of up to 15 teenagers believed to be responsible – and perpetrators have been warned to expect surprise visits by officers in the coming weeks.

Following the attack, police and Sunderland City Council have joined forces, as part of the Southwick Altogether Raising Aspirations project (SARA), to install a CCTV camera and carry out plain-clothed patrols as they look to catch troublemakers in the act.

Sergeant Claire Wood said: “The community were understandably upset by the damage caused.

"It is mindless behaviour which has prevented young people from enjoying these facilities, and the damage has come at a significant financial cost.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and the group that committed this damage should be warned – we know who you are, and will be knocking on your front door very soon.”

Sunderland city councillor Alex Samuels said the joint patrols are just an example of the work being undertaken by all partners under the banner of the SARA Project.

She said: “This is just an example of the work that the SARA team are undertaking, working with local youth groups as well as our partners. There are a lot of activities young people can become involved in – and no excuse for such mindless vandalism.”

The SARA Project was launched earlier this month to help rejuvenate the area and offer support to the communities who live there.

It will see representatives from police, the local authority, social services, housing, education and health work closely with local voluntary groups and the community to provide effective and streamlined support and solutions – all based under one roof at Austin House.

To find out more about the project, search ‘Lets Talk Sara’ on Facebook and follow @LetsTalkSARA on Twitter. and people get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected].

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