Crime & Safety
Vandals Trash Restrooms at Township Parks
Officials say vandals ripped sinks off walls, smashed mirrors and performed one very disgusting act in the bathrooms at three Moorestown parks.
A recent spate of destructive—and disgusting—vandalism has forced the township to close the restrooms at three parks.
Parks and Recreation Director Theresa Miller said vandals wrecked the bathrooms at Fullerton and Maple Dawson parks and the men's room at Pryor Park. It's unclear exactly when it occurred, but Miller said Public Works Director Ken Ewers notified her about the damage Tuesday morning.
The damage to the restrooms included:
- Sinks ripped out of the wall and smashed on the floor
- A stall door ripped off
- Mirrors smashed
- Graffiti on the trash cans
- Feces stuck to the walls
Vandals have caused trouble at township parks before, sometimes leading to serious damage to the restrooms. But it was sporadic, she said, never all at once.
It's also unclear how the vandals got into the restrooms. Miller said magnetic locks are installed on the doors, and they automatically lock at 9 p.m.
Public Works filed a police report and detectives are still investigating, said Moorestown Police Lt. Lee Lieber.
"We're not sure if they're related, but it is interesting that all three occurred within roughly the same time period," he said. "It leads you to believe there might be some relation."
Lieber urged anyone who may have seen anything or who may have information to contact police at 856-234-8300.
Miller was somewhat at a loss to explain the reason for the vandalism.
"I honestly can't wrap my head around that," she said.
Miller was unsure when the bathrooms would be reopened, and Ewers was not in Friday. Miller said portable toilets have been added at Maple Dawson and Fullerton. The women's room at Pryor is still in operation.
She said a long-term plan for addressing the vandalism has not been discussed yet.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
