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Camden New Journal - By SIMON WROE
Published: 24 January 2008

A sign near the entrance to the nature reserve

Should we beware of the dog owners?

Lib Dem suspects dog walkers of vandalising park

A SPATE of vandalism in a Belsize Park nature reserve has sparked a whodunnit mystery with some very unlikely suspects in the spotlight – dog walkers.
According to Lib Dem councillor Ben Rawlings, it is suspected that the pet owners, usually behind little more than an over-excited dog, may be behind the wanton destruction of public property in the Belsize Park Nature Reserve following a recent decision to lock the gates to the neighbouring wood at night.
Gates were torn off their hinges, rubbish was dumped and fences knocked down over the Christmas period.
The damage has since been repaired and Safer Neighbourhoods Teams have stepped up patrols in the area.
Cllr Rawlings said: “One lead being investigated is that it was a one-off act of vandalism due to dog walkers annoyed about the reduced access to the nearby woods, now they are being locked at night.”
He said there was no evidence of any connection between the damage and persons from the nearby Russell Nurseries estate.
The identity of the prime suspects has been met with mockery and disbelief by others.
Beth Noakes, chairwoman of the Lawn Road and Downside Crescent Resident’s Association said: “Is there a new menace? Rabid dog walkers banding together to vandalise the place? I’m not convinced by that, I have to say, and I don’t think the residents are going to get terribly nervous about the thought.”
She added: “It’s a terribly sad and awful thing for people to do, but why should dog walkers be bothered?”
Ms Noakes conceded the area had a problem with vandalism, though “no worse than anywhere else”.
“Unless you’re patrolling it at all hours there’s not much you can do about it,” she said.
Conservative councillor Chris Philp agreed: “Unfortunately this kind of vandalism is all too common. We need more youth activities in the area and stronger discipline in schools and homes to combat youth disorder.”
When informed the vandals may be dog owners rather than hoodies, he replied: “I’d be a bit surprised if it was dog walkers.
“They wouldn’t normally rip up rubbish bags and break down fences.”

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