Oamaru police are appealing for help from the public to identify two people who appear in CCTV images around the time of an incident of dangerous littering at Friendly Bay last month.
About 8.41pm on June 29, a glass vase was taken to the top of the ladder of the slide at the Friendly Bay steampunk playground where it was smashed, resulting in jagged glass fragments spreading down the slide ''potentially causing a dangerous hazard to child users of the slide'', Community Constable Bruce Dow said.
''Their actions were hideously dangerous, with the potential to cause some serious injuries to some little kid or kids,'' Const Dow said.
''It appears only sheer luck has prevented this.''
Waitaki District Council staff discovered the shattered glass the following morning.
The offenders have not yet been identified, so police have released a CCTV image and are appealing for information from the public.
''Examination of CCTV footage at the scene reveals two persons of interest to the police and it is believed they may be able to assist police with their inquiries,'' Const Dow said.
''Police and district council staff are eager to locate the perpetrators of this despicable act and hold them to account for their actions.''
Four acts of vandalism were discussed at a Waitaki District Council community services meeting this week, including the glass on the slide.
''We know criminal behaviour is occurring in that [Friendly Bay] area and it is being captured,'' Const Dow said.
''The message is, inappropriate behaviour will be investigated and offenders, if identified, will be held to account for their actions in the courts.''
Other incidents of vandalism discussed at the Waitaki District Council meeting were graffiti, damage to a wall at Jones Park, bedding plants ripped out and damage to a car park fence.
Community services group manager Thunes Cloete said the glass on the slide and landing area ''potentially had very serious consequences'' for children.
Cr Jim Hopkins pushed for photographs of the youths to be published. Anyone with information on the identity of the two people in the photo can contact the Oamaru police on (03) 433-1400.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555-111.
