Appeal: Theft and Criminal Damage, Ovenden

Thursday, 9 August, 2012 

Police in Calderdale are appealing for witnesses following criminal damage and theft from a construction site in Ovenden.

The incidents are believed to have happened between 3-8 August, at the construction site on the playing fields behind Forest Cottage/Ovenden RLFC on Cousin Lane, Ovenden, where a new playground is being built.

Between the 3rd and 8th August it is believed that the suspect/s have entered the site and made attempts to start a number of vehicles therein including a hydraulic excavator and road roller. The door was forced on the excavator and the ignition barrels on both machines were damaged.

Between the 6th and 7th it was reported that the road roller was stolen and driven around the fields and up onto Deanfield Primary School causing a significant amount of damage to the fencing at the school, the playing fields and the construction site.

The road roller was then sent down the steep embankment from the playing fields towards Page Hill. Fortunately the machine was stopped having run into a tree.

The cost of damage to the fencing is believed to be over £1000 and the roller also has extensive damage.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PS 2242 Dionne Stratford at Halifax North & East NPT on 101 or 01422 337300.