Vandals strike Greenfield Lake restrooms
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By Carmen Ensinger
Greenfield Police Chief Nate Alderfer is asking for help in finding the culprits who have been vandalizing the public restrooms at Greenfield Lake.
“As the Chief of Police, one of my highest priorities is ensuring that our public spaces remain safe, clean and enjoyable for all of our families and community to use,” Alderfer said. “Unfortunately, over the past few months, juveniles have been intentionally damaging and defacing the public restroom facilities at the lake.”
Alderfer said these individuals have dumping large amounts of rocks and pebbles down the toilets which can result in severe plumbing blockages and thousands of dollars in damages.
If that isn’t bad enough, what is even more disconcerting is the fact that there have been multiple incidents of fecal matter being smeared on the restroom walls.
“The cost of specialized plumbing repairs, deep-cleaning biohazard remediation and property restoration can be expensive and individuals who are proven to be doing this will be held responsible,” Alderfer said. “Parents of juveniles can also be held responsible for the cost of these repairs as well.”
Alderfer said while kids might see it as a harmless prank – it is not. It is a biohazard that puts the city maintenance, volunteers, community workers and the public at risk.
“We are actively investigating these incidents and will increase patrols in the area, but we cannot do this alone,” he said. “I am asking for our community’s immediate assistance. Talk to your children. If your children spend time at Greenfield Lake with their peers, please have a serious conversation with them about the consequences of destruction of city property.”
Alderfer asks that anyone who sees groups congregating near the restrooms or acting suspiciously to please report it immediately to their non-emergency dispatch line at 217-942-6901.
“Encourage your teens to speak up,” he said. “Often, peer groups know exactly who is responsible.”
The Greenfield Police Department will have zero tolerance for further property destruction.
“Juveniles caught defacing or damaging city property will face criminal mischief charges and parents may be held financially liable for the restitution of damages,” Alderfer warned. “Our goal is not to punish kids but to protect our town. Greenfield is a beautiful place to live and by working together we can keep it that way.”
