LINDEN, TN (WOPC) - Less than two weeks after unveiling a refeshed Linden City Park, the Perry County Sheriff's Office says vandalism has already damaged new playground equuipment. The Sheriff released the following information Friday: 

 

"After months of planning , days of hard work and community support, our city park was recently renovated to give local families a safe, enjoyable place to play. We promised residents that we would protect this investment—and thanks to our new state-of-the-art surveillance system, we have done exactly that.

 

Yesterday, the playground equipment was intentionally broken by a juvenile, causing more than $1,000 in damage. While vandalism is always disappointing, our upgraded cameras allowed us to quickly identify the child and parent involved. The matter has been referred to law enforcement, and juvenile petitions related to vandalism over $1,000 are pending and contributing to the deliquency of a minor for the parent involved. 

 Restitution for the damage will be sought in court. 

 

In a small community, it can feel like we “can’t have nice things.” But that is not the truth. We WILL have nice things—when we look out for one another, and when we use the tools available to ensure accountability. Our new camera system was funded precisely for moments like this, and it worked as intended.

 

 

We have a shared responsibility to have nice things. Parents and guardians are reminded that when families use the park, they share in the responsibility of watching over their children and the facility. If a child breaks something—whether by accident or on purpose—it is the parent’s duty to report it to the city or the Sheriff’s department immediately. Even if the damage seems minor, failure to report it can leave broken equipment unsafe for other children.

 

If you see damage occur, or suspect your child has broken something, you must notify authorities right away. Waiting and hoping no one notices puts other children at risk and undermines the trust our community has worked so hard to rebuild.

 

Moving Forward

 

The town will continue to maintain and improve our public spaces. We will also continue to use every legal and appropriate tool—including surveillance—to keep our park safe and hold individuals accountable when necessary.

 

We thank the many residents who use the park responsibly, and we look forward to many more years of enjoying “nice things” together.

 

“I encourage all parents to speak with their kids about not damaging property and supervise them while at the park or it could cost them a healthy price,” the Sheriff added. 

 

If your child damages park property, or if you witness damage happening, please call the City Hall at 931-589-2736 or the Sheriff’s Department at 931-589-8803. Do not wait. Do not assume we won’t find out. Just call." - PCSO News Release