Vandalism on rise in Lincoln?

Lincoln residents are becoming increasingly concerned about vandalism and disorderly behaviour - but police say there's no crime wave in Selwyn.

In recent weeks, there has been:

• Trees uprooted and broken at the Lincoln Event Centre
• Alleged late-night drinking and noise at the Liffey Domain
• Burnouts marks outside the Gerald St shops
• Cars broken into and broken bottles left in Southfield Dr
• Rubbish bins tipped over between the university and the central shops

The vandalism comes at a time when police numbers in Selwyn may drop because more officers are needed in Christchurch.

A Lincoln shop owner who did not want to be named said: "Every resident is concerned. A lot of people have been coming in and talking about it."

"People want to know why is it happening in Lincoln?"

Lincoln Village Meats owner Guido Schromges said his customers often complain about "youngsters on the loose" in local reserves at night.

Mr Schromges said: "During the day, I see police cars when I look out my window, driving up to the station. But after hours I hardly see any."

But Senior Sergeant Stewart Munro said Lincoln police officers patrol the township at night regularly. He said: "There's certainly no crime wave happening in Selwyn."

Senior Constable Jim Manning said there had not been an increase in vandalism or disorderly behaviour in Lincoln.

"The damage that we're talking about has happened over a long period of time. For any small town that's normal."

Senior Sergeant Munro agreed. He said there had been "very few" reports of such behaviour. Between January 2011 and September 2012 police had received only three calls complaining of disorder and youth problems in the Liffey Domain, he said.

"My officers patrol that area all the time ... on foot and by car."

Earlier this year, officers from Christchurch South station were called to deal with disorder at the domain. Senior Sergeant Munro said getting assistance from the city doesn't happen very often.

"If we are busy elsewhere and something urgent needs attending, yes we would call for back-up from Christchurch South. I've been in the police for over 40 years and that's always been done out in Selwyn and rural areas. That's normal policing."

Have Your Say: Do you think there's been an increase in vandalism in Lincoln? Are you concerned? Email alex.mason@starcanterbury.co.nz

(Keep your responses to no more than 200 words and include your name and township)