News

A police community support officer (PCSO) from Cheriton (Folkestone) has paid a visit to a playgroup that was wrecked by vandals last summer.

Jane Marshall (Deputy Manager of Morehall Playgroup) and PCSO Keith Sansum

PCSO Keith Sansum was invited to Morehall Pre School Playgroup to talk to the youngsters about keeping safe while out and about and on the roads.

The youngsters aged three and four also asked PCSO Sansum questions about his uniform and what they should do if they get lost or feel scared.

The Morehall playgroup has been transformed since it was trashed by a group of youths at the start of August 2007.

When the playgroup leaders opened the doors following the summer break on Monday 6 August they were confronted by a scene of destruction with 12 smashed windows, paint thrown over floors, walls, toilets, toys, books and their computer.

The neighbourhood policing team in Cheriton including PCSO Chloe Chandler, PCSO Keith Sansum, PCSO Mark Ball, PC Ian Peebles and officers from the crime investigation unit launched an investigation to track down the offenders.

Within a week police had arrested four male youths aged 10, 12, 13 and 14 and a female youth aged 14 on suspicion of committing the damage. The youths were questioned and each was issued with a Final Warning whilst in the presence of their parents, which will stay on police records until they are 18, or for five years, whichever is longer.

To be issued with a Final Warning means that any further offending behaviour will result in charges being brought, in all but the most exceptional circumstances and if they are convicted of a further offence within the next two years, they can in most cases expect a more serious sentence.

Since the damage to the playgroup they have managed to get the floor and much of the equipment replaced and are grateful to local residents, shops and Folkestone Town Council for their generosity.

Morehall Playgroup caters for 36 pre-school aged local children and opens five days a week. For more information contact Melanie Ashford on 01303 270187.

PCSO Keith Sansum is one of the PCSOs that covers Morehall and Cheriton and can be contacted on 07772 226208.