A reward has been offered following a ballpark restroom was vandalized last weekend.
A total of $650 is being offered for information identifying who destroyed two urinals in the Mayfield-Graves County Ballpark restroom, according to Trent Blackwood, the parks’ superintendent. He asked anyone with such information to contact him at 270-705-1817.
The crime occurred between Oct. 25-27 and he believes it was done “for sport,” as nothing else at the park was touched.
“We want to stop this before it gets out of hand,” he said.
He was not yet sure how much repairs would cost, but estimated anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.
Vandalism has been a significant problem in the city’s parks, prompting Mayfield officials to take steps to mitigate it. Mayfield Police Chief Nathan Kent has stated the city is in the process of using grant funds to purchase cameras for the city’s parks to curtail and dissuade further destruction of property, but until then an increased police presence will have to do.
“We have had multiple reports of vandalism in city parks and near the ballpark complex,” he said. “We have increased our patrols in the area both by vehicle, bike, and on foot. Additionally, we close and lock some city property at night to deter vandalism.”
Kent advises anyone with knowledge of what happened at the ballpark to contact the Mayfield Police Department at 270-247-1621. Alternatively, they can anonymously provide that information through Crimestoppers and “be eligible for a monetary reward.”
Through Crimestoppers, an anonymous tipper could receive $250 if a Class D Felony is successfully prosecuted.
Kent stated he was not aware of the reward offered by the community and Blackwood.
Kent stated the perpetrator(s) could be charged with First-Degree Criminal Mischief, which is “punishable by one to five years in jail.” They could also face a fine equal to the amount of repair costs.