Appeal after criminal damage at Hotham Park, Bognor

Police are investigating hate crime-related criminal damage, worth thousands of pounds, to wooden ornaments and bins in Hotham Park, Bognor.

Since the beginning of June, offensive symbols have been drawn or carved into more than 50 items in the park, leading to significant time and cost to Arun District Council to clean and repair the damage.  

Sgt Ross Beaumont said: “This offensive behaviour has caused upset in the community and has led to unnecessary cost and time to repair the damage.”

“Someone must know who is responsible.”

Arun District Council is working closely with police to address the graffiti.  

A council spokesperson said: “We have made it a priority to remove the damage as much as we can, as often as we can but this comes at a significant cost to the council and removes key staff from planned works which provide added value to our parks and green spaces.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call 101, quoting serial 495 of 5/6, or report it online.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org