A £500 reward has been put up to catch the person who repeatedly vandalised a children’s play area resulting in an 11-year-old girl breaking her leg.

Three Rivers District Council offered the money to catch the culprit who deliberately removed bolts from Hornhill play area in Maple Cross causing schoolgirl, Danielle Tait, to tumble from netting on September 18.

Danielle, who lives in nearby Pinchfield, had to spend the night in Watford General Hospital with a fractured right knee and concussion.

When the girl’s mother, Bonnie Mills, raised concerns with Three Rivers District Council she was shocked to find they were already aware of “ongoing” vandalism and yet the park remained open.

Danielle's fractured knee 

Watford Observer:

She said: “The council said they knew people had vandalised the park twice in the past, removing bolts so it appears safe to play on. They had reported it to the police.

“They were more than aware this could happen. The park should have been shut.

“If people are going into the park and undoing bolts it’s not safe. I blame them for my daughter’s accident.”

Danielle must wear a cast for six weeks before a follow-up X-ray.

At the time, Steven Halls, Three Rivers chief executive, said: “We utterly condemn this dangerous and reckless criminal damage.

“As a follow up to this accident, we are considering whether or not to put out to the public an offer of a reward for providing information which leads to a criminal conviction.” 

Watford Observer:

On September 21, Three Rivers District Council called Miss Mills saying they had closed the park to the public “until further notice” and they were working with police to resolve the issue. 

Police today confirmed two separate incidents of vandalism had occurred on October 3 and 4.

Neighbourhood sergeant Neil Canning said: “This type of behaviour is extremely dangerous and puts park users, particularly young children, at risk of serious injury.

“We have increased patrols in the area and I am appealing for anyone with information about who might be responsible to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Canning via email to neil.canning@herts.pnn.police.uk or by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/42917/18. You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org