Barry community joins forces to stand up to vandals
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There’s no greater message to criminals than a community standing united.
And that’s exactly what’s happened in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, where pupils, parents and volunteers have joined forced with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to let vandals know they won’t be defeated.
Pupils at Cadoxton Primary School were devastated to find their secret garden, where they’ve been growing and tending to crops and plants, had been vandalised recently.
Those responsible had attempted to burn down a shed, leaving multiple scorch marks, damaged the furniture and trampled on and destroyed the garden.
After police were informed, additional patrols were put in place at night and suspects were quickly identified. An investigation is ongoing.
The grateful school refused to be beaten and instead turned their efforts to rebuilding.
They held a volunteer day where parents and members of the joined forces to help clean the mess and repair the damage, and as thanks the young pupils prepared and cooked food for those who turned out in support.
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PCSO Lloyd Bridgeman, who was responsible for identifying and dealing with the vandals, was among those who attended the volunteer day. He said:
“This was really heart-warming to see the community come together to help the school rebuild and it was a real pleasure to be a part of that.
“Not only did it send a strong message to the pupils, that they are part of a really supportive and special community, it also sent a message to those who think such criminal and antisocial behaviour is acceptable.
“Such reckless and senseless actions have a devastating impact on those affected, and we will continue to work alongside our communities to tackle such offending.”