A £1,000 reward is to be offered to find the arsonists who targeted Ystrad Mynach Park and caused £35,000 worth of damage to play equipment.
The deliberate fire caused extensive damage to a climbing frame and other play facilities in the park – with an estimated cost of £35,000.
Inspector Andrew O’Keefe, of Gwent Police, said: “We’re aware of local residents concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in the park and myself and my officers are working to tackle the small minority causing this alarm and distress for the community.
“A 48-hour dispersal order was in place over the weekend [July 1], where alcohol was seized and officers spoke with young people to explain how their behaviour was causing local residents’ distress.
“Another dispersal order is planned for this coming weekend [July 8].
“A dispersal order gives our officers the authority to direct anyone behaving anti-socially away from the area. If they return to that area after being moved on, they face being arrested.
“Our officers are increasing their patrols in the affected areas and a patrol plan is in place to ensure an increased visible presence.”
Plaid Cymru councillor Martyn James, who represents the Ystrad Mynach ward, said a recent meeting with police was positive and that officers were taking steps to combat antisocial behaviour, not just in the park but also the town centre.
He said: “I believe this has been building up for quite a while. I hope now this is the end of the antisocial behaviour that is happening.
“I understand there are issues with the resources the police have, but they have to understand this is not tolerable and not right.”
Cllr James also said a £1,000 reward is to be offered through Crimestoppers to try and catch the arsonists and added: “A £1,000 is a lot of money and could loosen young tongues. Let’s hope we get the people responsible convicted.”
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said the play equipment will be replaced with the authority currently in discussions with the supplier.
He said: “This mindless act of vandalism has destroyed a much-loved play facility in one of our most popular playgrounds.
“We would appeal to residents to be vigilant and keep a close eye on all our community facilities and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting log number 557 20/06/17.
If the police had been on our streets, this kind of thing would never have happend. I hope they catch the hooligans involved
That would be a deterrent – that word no longer exists in policing of Gwent.
They only Respond – after the event.