POLICE have stepped up patrols in Meopham in a bid to combat the rising problem of rural crime.

Last month, we reported the village's centuries-old cricket pitch was churned up and security fencing at Judson's Recreation Ground was wrecked.

Now vandals have struck again, just weeks after the fence was repaired costing more than £150.

A large wooden seat in a bus shelter has also had to be removed after being "smashed to smithereens".

Clerk of Meopham Parish Council Peter Tennyson said: "We are just fed up with this. Everybody suffers because of these mindless individuals.

"We can't stop people entering the recreation ground because there's a public footpath there and we can't afford to pay for a security guard to patrol the area."

Gravesham MP Chris Pond met police and villagers recently to discuss policing needs for rural areas.

Sergeant Rod Chapman, of North Kent Police, says the Meopham-based Rural Tactical Team, headed up by Sergeant Robin Laird, has its work cut out to cover such a wide area.

He added: "It is a tall order but the team is out there and keeping tabs on trouble spots.

"The three officers on the team can not be everywhere at once but Sgt Laird does know where to be and where to go.

"The priority has to be burglary and car crime but their time can be split to accommodate these problems."

It is thought the vandalism is being done by teenagers who Mr Pond says "have little to do" in the area.

He added: "We have got to get children to understand why they must respect their environment.

"We've also got to start using the powers that we have, such as Anti Social Behaviour Orders if these people are constantly offending.

"Parents must also realise that they have to be taking responsibility for their children."

December 21, 2001 16:00