‘Disgust’ after vandals put camping trip in jeopardy

‘Disgust’ after vandals put camping trip in jeopardy

28 July 2021

A CAMPING trip by local Scouts may have to be cancelled after their minibus was vandalised.

A stone was thrown through the window of the minibus belonging to Downpatrick Scouts last week.

The attack occurred at the Scout hall beside Russell Park late on Tuesday night or in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Leaders discovered the damage when they went to the hall to prepare for a forthcoming camping trip.

Scout leader Sarah Taggart says the trip and other planned events are now in jeopardy.

“The problem with this particular damage is that it was a specialised side panel window, so they are not easy to find or replace,” she said.

“Naturally we were excited to plan a camping trip for all of our cubs, beavers and scouts. Instead, we now have a race against the clock to fix this window or find a suitable replacement, which means it’ll have to come out of our own money that isn’t budgeted for.”

“There have been previous cases of young people drinking alcohol in the nearby Dunleath Park playing fields and they have been seen throwing glass bottles in the direction of the hall. 

“This is the first time our bus has been damaged as a result of mindless and reckless behaviour. It has impacted our scouting activities and it is certainly an expense we weren’t expecting.

She added: “I am absolutely disgusted. Throwing stones at a parked bus is not entertainment.”

Police are appealing for information about the incident.

A PSNI spokesman said: “This is a senseless act of destruction, which means that the vehicle can’t currently be driven, therefore impacting upon the group’s activities.

“I am asking anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1843 of 21/07/21.”