A newly-installed money box in a grotto at Benburb Priory was vandalised and robbed by underage drinkers on Saturday evening.
It’s the latest incident at the park grounds this summer with its custodians appealing on social media for parents to step up as they say “this behaviour will no longer be tolerated”.
As well as the theft of the money box, exterior lighting was smashed, litter and broken bottles were strewn all over the grounds, and a bin was stolen and used to start a fire in an area of the ‘Pilgrim Walk’, which is currently being developed as a picnic area for families.
Posting the images on social media, Benburb Priory said: “Parents, it’s unfortunate that once again we have to post negative images of yet more vandalism which took place on Saturday evening by a group of young people, caught on CCTV, participating in underage drinking on the Priory grounds.
The post added: “For those who are not aware, the priory is a private park owned by the Order of Mary Servite Trust. The Servite Order pay thousands of pounds per year to ensure that the public can continue to enjoy using the grounds…..this is based on their goodwill and community outreach ethos which they strive to uphold, in the most challenging of times.
“Please know where your children are and ensure that the Priory can continue to keep its grounds open to our fantastic wider community of people and families to enjoy. This behaviour will no longer be tolerated.”
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