Foul-mouthed troublemakers are plaguing one of Hamilton's most popular parks.
A group of about 10 men in their late teens and early 20s are said to "get a kick" out of tormenting visitors to Par-la-Ville Park.
The men, some of whom are reportedly drinking and using drugs, shout out abusive names at passers-by and stand in people's way as they enter and exit the park.
Police have now stepped up mobile patrols in the area after a number of incidents in the last few weeks.
Officers were called to the park twice on Wednesday last week and then on Thursday a 15-year-old schoolboy alleged he was "beaten around the head" in the park. However, the teenage refused to make a formal complaint about the assault.
Police are urging members of the public to be on their guard and to report anything that looks suspicious.
It comes after an e-mail circulated the island urging people to be diligent as the young men were "lurking around Par-la-Ville and being confrontational".
The park is a popular lunchtime spot for workers, so the culprits tend to target lone walkers in the morning or late afternoon.
The police are aware of the problem and say it is a concern to them.
Brendan Huttick, manager of the Lemon Tree Café, said people were complaining about the "gang guys" who were "taking over" the park.
Abusive
He said: "I've heard of a few incidents and it's not school kids playing around, it's older guys causing the problems.
"They are up to no good, sitting on the benches, drinking bottles of beer, being abusive and scaring people away.
"It's not affecting business as the police presence is there. Let's just hope they keep up patrols."
Joanne Brangman, head librarian at the Bermuda National Library, said: "You can't always see them, but you can hear them. Through the windows we hear cursing and bad language.
"It's been going on for a while now and it looks like it's going to be an ongoing problem - it's not good."
A police spokesman confirmed they had responded to a report of "annoying individuals" in the park at 11.45am on February 24.
He said: "Officers conducted a search of the grounds on foot and noted 11 individuals, consisting of 10 young men and one young woman, in a section of the park.
"Based on the officers' observations, all of the individuals were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act; however, no illegal substances were found. One member of the group, a 24-year-old Pembroke man, was arrested for an outstanding warrant."
On the same day at 2:30pm the officers returned to the park to arrest three men, aged 44, 42 and 27, for a number of offences. These men are due to appear in court soon.
If you see any suspicious circumstances or activity in Par-la-Ville Park, call the police on 295-0011.
Police need to be conducting patrols during the late afternoon hours. I walk through this park numerous times during the day. The "guys" don't bother me but I can see how it would bother others.
Posted: Friday, March 05, 2010
Comment by:
M. Cranberry
