POLICE have stepped up patrols in a village park after a spate of vandalism.

Yobs have smashed windows and toilets, damaged loo block doors and destroyed floral displays in Glusburn Park.

More than £1,000 damage has been caused.

Now North Yorkshire Police are staging targeted patrols.

And they are appealing for anyone with information about the incidents to come forward.

PC Anne Jefferson, of Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team, says: "It’s sad to see such mindless vandalism affecting a park that the whole community enjoys using. A very small minority is ruining it for the majority and that simply isn’t acceptable.

"We’re working closely with the community to gather information about these offences so we can identify those involved.

"We’ll be regularly patrolling the park and surrounding areas and we’ve also offered security advice, including some ideas to make the facilities less likely to be targeted.

"But we also need parents to play their part and ensure they know where their children are and what they’re doing."

Anyone with information, or who witnessed any of the incidents, is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police via its website – at northyorkshire.police.uk – or email anne.jefferson@northyorkshire.police.uk

Alternatively, call 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Anne Jefferson, or contact Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

PC Jefferson adds: "All information provided will be seen by me and my team and could help us prevent further damage to a valuable community space."