Calls for CCTV after vandals smash up Red Cross minibus again (From Bucks Free Press)

Calls for CCTV after vandals smash up Red Cross minibus again

9:08am Thursday 25th September 2003 in News By Clare Kelly

DAY centre manager Trish Prince is supporting the call for CCTV cameras to be put up after vandals smashed a minibus used by the Red Cross – the third attack in a year.

Vandals damaged the passenger door of the minibus at Wakeman Road, Bourne End, overnight on Monday.

Ms Prince, from the Red Cross, discovered the minibus had been attacked on Tuesday morning after it had been parked there since 4.20pm the previous day.

She said: "It's just needless, I don't know why they do it. It saddens me and all the staff when this sort of thing happens. Without the vehicle old people can't go out. For some it's the highlight of their week. I got very upset about it, very angry that this can happen."

The minibus is used for bringing elderly people to the Day Centre in Wakeman Road for a hot meal and socialising. It is not the first time the Red Cross has been targeted.

Ms Prince said: "I have been in this post since February 2002 and this is the third time this has happened this year."

On one occasion rugs had been stolen. Vandals have also previously used the fire extinguisher.

Although the minibus belongs to Buckinghamshire County Council, the Red Cross will still have to pay £250 excess for the damage which Ms Prince said would end up coming out of the budget for elderly people.

She said they managed to get a replacement vehicle out of a garage in good time so no pensioners lost out. She said: "We have tried to limit the effect on older people as much as possible. The service from the garage was absolutely wonderful."

Ms Prince added CCTV cameras could be the answer to reducing crime in the village.

She said: "I think the way forward is CCTV cameras and I'm not alone in feeling that is what is needed for this area. It might minimise or lessen the risk of this sort of thing happening."

A council spokesman said: "Wycombe District Council works closely with the Police and other partners involved in the Wycombe Community Safety Partnership (WCSP) on strategies to reduce crime and the fear of crime. This includes a variety of 'policing' measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras."

Inspector Dave Evans of Marlow Police said: "CCTV is a useful resource but it has to be paid for.

"The local council is responsible for putting up CCTV cameras. We are always in dialogue with them about where the cameras should be.

"Police are still investigating this incident. We would appeal for anyone with information to call Marlow Police Station on 01628 816920."