Dispersal orders designed to prevent antisocial behaviour could be extended to a vandalism hotspot in Hockley.
Acting Insp Kevin Diable-White said residents should report any incidents they witness at Plumberow Mount so police can make the area a priority.
Parents and children protested last week about vandalism and arson that is making parish councillors rethink spending £10,000 they had earmarked for playground improvements.
Hockley Parish Council is also working with English Partnerships to fence off the Mount itself to prevent the listed ancient monument being damaged by motorcyclists and vandals.
Mr Diable-White said police would have a presence at the site if they were able, but a log of incidents would let officers make the area a higher priority.
He said it might also be possible to extend the dispersal orders covering Hockley to include the playground and the Mount if the statistics showed it was warranted.
He said: "People have the impression the police aren't interested but we are. By being aware of the true number of incidents, we can use that for intelligence-led policing."
He urged residents to call 999 to report serious incidents or 01268 775533 to report vandalism or minor disturbances.
Published Monday July 26, 2004
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