Police have stepped up their patrols around York’s Museum Gardens after vandals smashed a door and damaged buildings and grass.
The attack happened at the same time as oil was poured into the fountain at nearby Exhibition Square, killing several ducklings – and officers are linking the two incidents.
It happened between 8pm and 10.30pm on Friday 7 June.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “A group entered the gardens and caused damage to buildings, to the gardens and in particular a door that was attached to the city walls.
“There has also been damage and harm caused to wildlife at the fountain on Exhibition Square within the same timeframe.”
Five teenage boys were spotted in Exhibition Square on that Friday with bottles of cooking oil.
Jane Reed, a safety officer at nearby King’s Manor, said the oil was poured in the fountain, and then the adult ducks were discovered covered in it.
Their ten ducklings had vanished, and were presumed dead. Jane called the incident “downright cruel”.
The police spokesperson added: “Since these incidents, further incidents of trespass, anti-social behaviour and burglaries to independent traders within the gardens have been reported.
“You will see our officers on patrol in the area but please remember – if an incident is ongoing, ring 999 immediately. If you see any suspicious behaviour, you’re not wasting our time, please call 101.”
If you have any information about the previous crimes, you can contact police on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Fiona Wilding
- Email Fiona Wilding here
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12240101068