Reckless youths break into swimming pool and cause £1,000s worth of damage
Thames Valley Police (TVP) say that there have been problems on multiple occasions since the Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool opened in Abingdon.
Alongside a group of youths causing costly damage on the first day of opening, others have since gained access and drunk alcohol underage.
The force recently posted an update across their social media channels alongside photographs of the location.
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Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
A spokesperson for TVP said: "It was extremely disappointing that on the first day the Abbey Meadows outdoor pool opened in Abingdon, a number of young people decided to gain access after hours, not only to swim but caused several thousands pounds worth of damage.
"The group involved were stopped & detained by two Abingdon PCSOs & assisted by their emergency response colleagues.
"On a number of occasions since then, access has been gained, where young people are swimming but also drinking alcohol underage.
"We have attended either in relation to calls or through our proactive patrols & have managed to gain details of further people involved.
"A number of Community Protection Warnings have been written & are in the process of being served. As well as a criminal investigation into the damage."
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The open air pool was saved from closure in 2006 by a campaign backed by Abingdon Town Council and the Abingdon Herald.
Campaigners again fought to save the pool when it faced closure in 2015, and a petition with more than 2,200 names was handed to council leaders.
It reopened in 2018 following a £1.3m refurbishment.
Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool is a popular place to go during the summer months, with more than 15,000 people visiting last year.
Yet, as the police warned, problems have been encountered this year at the leisure location since its latest reopening.
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The Thames Valley Police statement added: "PCSO Blood & Highmoor arranged a partner agency meeting with Vale of White Horse District Council Community Safety team and GLL at the location to discuss what further practical measures could be undertaken & to carry out a site inspection.
"We still don't understand the mindset of thinking it is acceptable to cause damage to other people's property, not only that, there is a possibility that a young person may drown.
"We definitely don't want to be putting in that door knock to let their parents or guardians know.
"Please talk to your children about the dangers & work with us to prevent this."
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