Waterloo Park in Norwich left unlocked and bikes stolen

People living near Waterloo Park are considering taking matters into their own hands following Norwich City Council's decision to stop locking park entries after dark.

They want to take action as they say this policy has led to an increase in crime in the area.

But City Hall has defended its decision, saying it brings the parks in line with elsewhere in Norwich.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Edd Watkinson, 32, began considering locking park gates at night after his Vespa was stolen from his front garden.

Waterloo Park gates will no longer be locked overnight (Image: Sonya Duncan) It was found the following morning "all smashed up" by a groundskeeper in Waterloo Park - and he was told it was not the first incident that week.

Mr Watkinson said: "Parks being unlocked at night is going to be a very bad thing.

"I and some other local residents have spoken about trying to organise a volunteer group to go and lock our local park every night.

"It’s such a nice place but it’s going to end up unusable if it doesn’t start getting locked again."

Edd Watkinson had his Vespa stolen and found it dumper and damaged in Waterloo Park (Image: Edd Watkinson) A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police confirmed that they were investigating following a few similar incidents at Waterloo Park. 

Mr Watkinson fears that these issues will only get worse if something does not change.

The Vespa was forensically examined by police officers (Image: Edd Watkinson) He said: "I think this policy will undoubtedly lead to an increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"If the aim of not locking these spaces is to cut costs that’s a very short-sighted view as the cost of extra policing and repairs will far exceed the cost of someone locking the gates."

Locals fear that leaving the park unlocked will lead to a rise in criminal behaviour in the area (Image: Sonya Duncan)

WHAT DOES NORWICH CITY COUNCIL SAY?

Norwich City Council was approached about whether the decision to keep the parks unlocked at night would be reversed in light of the recent crimes.

A council spokesman said: "The council took the decision to cease locking further parks and cemeteries in the city at night from November, in line with practice elsewhere in Norwich.

Despite the sign on the gate, Waterloo Park is no longer being locked at night (Image: Denise Bradley)

"This is common with several other local authorities elsewhere.

"We will continue to monitor the situation in response to thefts or anti-social behaviour in partnership with the police and our own Community Safety team."

He added that they would not encourage locals to lock the gates themselves as it could cause an "obstruction" in case of an emergency.

'I CAN SEE BOTH SIDES'

County councillor for Mile Cross, Chrissie Rumsby, said that people locking the park themselves might not be the answer, but she does think something should be done to protect green spaces from the ongoing anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Chrissie Rumsby (Image: Norfolk Labour) She said: "I could see that there might be worries that someone could get stuck in the park and I think problems would arise if local people started locking up the park themselves. 

"However, I would be interested to know how many times this has happened in the past.

"The locals are really concerned that leaving the parks unlocked will lead to further anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, which was already happening before the park was being locked at night and might get worse.

"It is a lovely park, but more needs to be done to keep it that way."