A COMMUNITY centre has been vandalised with graffiti sprayed across doors and equipment.

The damage at the Drummond Community Centre in Hedge End was discovered on Saturday evening.

Police said they were approached by a member of the public who witnessed youths spray painting the site.


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Upon attending, officers found an empty spray can in the grass and freshly painted graffiti on most of the centre doors and children's play equipment.

Officers say they have also noticed an increase in small fires being lit in recreation areas.

Daily Echo: Graffiti at Drummond Community Centre, Hedge End. Photo from: Hedge End Police/Facebook. Graffiti at Drummond Community Centre, Hedge End. Photo from: Hedge End Police/Facebook.

On Saturday a fire had also been set with a pile of wood in the Drummond playground.

All youths in the park were later captured on police bodyworn video and a clean clean-up day is now due to be organised.

Further action is expected to be taken against those who spray-painted the community centre.

But now police have said the incidents are a "serious cause for concern" adding that it could cause "damage and injury".

In a Facebook post from Hedge End Police, officers said: "Graffiti is criminal damage. This is not art artwork.

Daily Echo: Graffiti at Drummond Community Centre, Hedge End. Photo from: Hedge End Police/Facebook. Graffiti at Drummond Community Centre, Hedge End. Photo from: Hedge End Police/Facebook.

"This is vandalism on a building used daily by our community. This is unacceptable anti-social behaviour.

"If anyone recognises any of the graffiti 'tags' in these pictures please do report via 101, quoting Crime Ref No. 44220180020.

"The St Lukes area of Drummond Community Centre, Tesco Express and St Lukes church, are all part of our Summer 'Hotspot' patrols areas.

"If you witness any ASB taking place in our community, please report via 101 or the online reporting tab at https://orlo.uk/o2VPQ"

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