Charlotte Newton MINDLESS young vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a family cricket ground by smashing a fence and daubing graffiti on the pavilion. The North Middlesex cricket ground in Park Road, Hornsey, is a popular area for cr

Charlotte Newton

MINDLESS young vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a family cricket ground by smashing a fence and daubing graffiti on the pavilion.

The North Middlesex cricket ground in Park Road, Hornsey, is a popular area for cricketers and footballers of all ages. The facility is also used for tennis and by a martial arts group.

It has been targeted repeatedly by vandals over the past two years, and director Chris Hajipamayi is at his wits' end after the latest attack at the weekend.

"Why are they doing this? Why do they keep damaging my cricket ground? We are a family venue but children cannot play here when it is in this state," he said.

Intruders pulled down the two-metre fence, which cost £4,000 to install, between 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Monday. They then ripped off metal grills on the pavilion windows and forced their way in, painting graffiti over the walls, lighting a fire and having a party.

Beer cans and other litter was left strewn across the charred floor.

One nearby resident, who did not want to be named, claims he challenged the youths over their behaviour but they threatened "to blade him."

Mr Hajipamayi, 50, said: "I feel powerless because I cannot carry on paying for repairs, and no one seems to be able to stop these young people.

"When I ask them politely to stop they just give me abuse. They don't give a damn."

Sergeant Paul Davies from the Muswell Hill Safer Neighbourhoods Team condemned the burglary and vandalism and vowed to catch the perpetrators: "We are stepping up the patrols with both plain clothed officers and the rapid response team. I have also made inquiries into the possibility of installing CCTV at the cricket club.

"We will also be using undercover surveillance. This will help us to catch any trespassers who run off into the bushes at night."

Meanwhile a spokesman for Haringey Council said: "The council provides a huge range of activities for young people over the summer holidays.

"Anyone concerned about young people's behaviour can contact the local police safer neighbourhood team and the council's anti-social behaviour action team, which can work together where there are particular problems."

Anyone with information about the vandalism should call the police on 0208-721 2765 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

charlotte.newton@hamhigh.co.uk