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Police have confirmed, despite local rumours, criminal damage to a historic fountain at a Devon beauty spot did not involve Royal Navy cadets.
Local residents were left “devastated” by the vandalism at the ornamental fountain. Dartmouth Police were called to reports of criminal damage to a fountain on Friday August 12.
The damaged fountain in Royal Avenue Gardens was added to the park in 1897 – ten years after it was opened by the local council. Dartmouth Police shared updates on Twitter this afternoon (15 October) following an investigation. The statement added the owners of the fountain do not wish to pursue the complaint further.
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Photos of the damage were shared on Facebook by a local Dartmouth Facebook group.
On August 12, Dartmouth Town Council shared an update which said: “Vandalised fountain Royal Avenue Gardens. In common with all our residents Dartmouth Town Council is devastated at the wilful damage caused to the fountain in the Royal Avenue Gardens last night. This is now being dealt with by the Police.”
Dartmouth Police said in a three part tweet: “Officers have investigated reports of criminal damage to a fountain in Royal Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth, on Friday 12 August. “Following a thorough investigation, the owners of the fountain have decided not to pursue a complaint further.
“We are aware of some speculation in the community that Britannia Royal Naval College cadets were involved in the damage, but there was never any individuals linked to the college who were part of police enquiries.”
It added: “Throughout the investigation the police have had full co-operation and support from the College. We value the close relationship local police have with the Royal Navy as they are a large part of Dartmouth’s heritage and the local community.”
Secretary for the Dartmothians, Richard Rendle also told Totnes Times after the incident: “Members of the club are incredibly upset. The volunteers give their time freely, for no reward or publicity, they do it because they love their town and want to support it and make it a better place.”
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