Middletown police have reported that in the past week there has been a rash of vandalism done to several of the township’s Department of Parks and Recreation facilities. And to expedite the apprehension of the perpetrators, they’re offering a $500 reward for any information leading to their arrest.
The main source of the damage, police say, is one or a few cars being driven on six parks and/or smashing into facilities at the parks.
Among the damaged, driven on fields were two baseball fields at Middletown Thompson Park, on Newman Springs Road in the Lincroft section of the township. One of the joy-riding damaged fields is Challenger Youth baseball field, which is intended for the use of athletes with special needs.
In the Fairview section of the township, newly-sodded soccer fields at the Fairview Soccer Fields on Oak Hill Road were also extensively damaged by the joy riding ramifications.
In addition, baseball and softball fields at Normandy Park, on Nut Swamp Road, and Applebrook Park, on Iler Drive, were also damaged by unknown vehicles being driven on the fields.
In to the damage done by vehicles being driven on the fields, a portable outdoor bathroom located at Lincroft Acres Park, on Orchard Hill Drive, Lincroft, was damaged after it was struck by a vehicle and knocked over.
A park bench, concrete steps and hand railing in Tindall Park, Tindall Road have also been destroyed.
Parks in Middletown are generally closed to the public at dusk, unless permission is obtained from the Parks and Recreation Department or the facility is lighted and specifically designated for after hour use.
Police are asking residents to call and report any suspicious activities or incidents of people misusing or damaging Township Parks and Recreation facilities or property.
The Middletown Policemen’s Benevolent Association is offering a reward of $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for damaging the Parks. Call 732-615-2100.
