Residents have said a reported break-in at a lido was “bound to happen” after the council stopped locking parks overnight.
Police received reports of an alleged burglary at Brockwell Lido in Brockwell Park on Sunday. It’s believed to have taken place on Saturday night.
The force has started an investigation into the incident. There have been no arrests yet On Sunday, managers of the lido posted on X: “Last night, our centre was broken into, the reception area was vandalised and entrance doors broken.
“As a charity, this is particularly tough especially during the festive period.
“However, we’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff, who worked hard to restore the centre in the early hours of the morning and have it ready for customers.”
The lido encouraged the community to continue supporting and using the centre.
The post said: “We are open as usual but please use the other doors. Thank you for your ongoing support!”
Brockwell Lido, which is owned by Lambeth council but managed by Fusion Lifestyle, is based in the north of Brockwell Park.
Tim Sutton, 63, of Helix Gardens, Brixton, is a member of the community sports club Brockwell Swimmers and regularly attends the lido.
He said: “It sounds like pointless vandalism.
“The lido has been cashless for some time now, so there was no money to steal.
“I suppose now the gates of the park are left unlocked all night, this was bound to happen.”
Last month, Lambeth council stopped locking the borough’s parks overnight, including Brockwell Park, as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
At the time, the Friends of Brockwell Park (FoBP) group raised concerns around safety and antisocial behaviour.
The pilot scheme, which launched in November, will run for nine months.
A spokeswoman from the Met said: “Anyone with information should call 101, providing the reference 887/29DEC.”
Lambeth council has been approached for comment.
Pictured top: Brockwell Lido (Picture: Steve Cadman / Flickr)
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