Children's Slide Stolen From Playground

A slide has been stolen from a children's play area in Bournemouth.

The play equipment was removed by thieves overnight (6/12/12) at the children's play area in Bradpole Road. The theft was discovered by a member of Bournemouth's Parks Team.

Michael Rowland, Parks Development Manager for Bournemouth Borough Council, said: ''The slide has been cleanly taken away from where it was fixed to a platform, with all bolts removed. The legs of the slide were left sticking out of the ground but we have now removed them to ensure it is safe for children to use the park. Unfortunately, it is highly likely that the metal slide was stolen in order to be sold for scrap value, which will be of nominal value in comparison to the cost to the general public.

We've had lead stolen from buildings within our Parks previously, but not had our playgrounds targeted.''

Councillor Rod Cooper, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, added: ''It is so sad that an individual would stoop so low as to steal from a children’s playground. The playground is used by so many local children and is much more valuable to the community than it is worth in scrap metal.''

The stolen slide will be replaced within six to eight weeks at a cost to the Council of approximately £2500.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number C12-C50440.