STUMPED environment chiefs have admitted there is little they can do to stop park benches being stolen from Camden’s streets, writes Richard Osley
The New Journal revealed last week how a spate of thefts had been reported to the council.
Benches, which cost £500 to replace, have been lifted from Maresfield Gardens, Redington Road and Frognal Lane – all in Hampstead – in the past three months.
The thefts follow the stealing of valuable York Stone paving slabs from streets in the north of the borough.
But environment boss Councillor John Thane said: “To catch the culprits we rely on the vigilance of the general public, police and council officers to report any unusual activity on the highway.
“We have not advertised anything specifically related to street seats but the thefts of York Stone which has been widely publicised and to date we have not had any secure leads which have led to arrests.”
He was responding to a written query from Tory Councillor Andrew Mennear, who demanded to know what Camden was doing to stem the thefts.
Cllr Thane said: “Officers will contact our police liaison officer for the York stone incident.”