Vandals Cause Thousands in Damage at Roberts Ridge

Newtown Township Police are investigating a case of severe vandalism that occurred overnight at Roberts Ridge Park.

Sometime between the last patrol Sunday at 9 p.m. and this morning, vandals caused thousands of dollars worth of damage at the township park, which features a playground, a pavilion and restrooms. The exterior of the restrooms were destroyed and officials say they may need to be demolished and completely reconstructed. The preliminary estimates of the cost of repairs exceed $5,000, police said.

Additionally, shingles on the pavilion were ripped off, the contents of the trashcans were dumped throughout the playground, and shattered glass was strewn everywhere, explained Mike Gallagher, a member of the township’s Board of Supervisors.

Gallagher was present at the park this afternoon observing the damage.  The playground itself was not damaged, although a plastic flag that sits atop a play boat was ripped down, Gallagher said. Because of that “we know they were up on top of the playground equipment.”

The destruction shocked Gallagher and other neighbors, who headed over the park to see why various police vehicles and news media were present. “This doesn’t seem like Newtown. You don’t imagine this happening in Bucks County,” Gallagher said.

Police said they located some evidence at the scene but did not elaborate on exactly what they found.  

Members of the public works department worked throughout the day to pick up garbage, remove toilet paper from the trees, and vacuum up broken glass. The police tape was removed shortly before 2 p.m.

Police said an employee of the Public Works Department discovered the damage when he passed the park on his way to work.  He alerted his supervisor and police were summoned to the scene. 

Anyone with information on this incident should notify the police at 215-968-2800, ext. 4 or via the anonymous crime tip line at 215-504-2201.