By Owen Hughes
Trespassing vandals are at risk of a grim death at a wastewater site. Police are investigating incidents of vandalism by a group of youths at Caernarfon wastewater treatment site.
They have caused 拢250,000 worth of damage and have been seen at the site by security guards and CCTV footage gathered of them breaking in.
The site provides essential services for Welsh Water customers in the Caernarfon area, cleaning and treating sewage wastewater for over 12,000 homes and businesses.
Police have been called to site over recent months following break-ins and damage to water treatment equipment by the youths. Windows and doors have been shattered, specialist machinery has been tampered with and thrown into water tanks. Damage has also been done to perimeter fencing.
They are also putting themselves at massive risk with a warning that falling into the site’s aerated tanks would see them dragged to the bottom and drowned.
North Wales Fire Service have also had to attend the site following acts of arson when trees were put on fire.
Additional security measures have been brought onto site including CCTV and a full-time security guard. The security guard has been attacked by the group who have thrown stones and other objects.
North Wales Police have visited the local high school along with staff from Welsh Water to highlight the dangers of breaking into the site.
Welsh Water is urging the local community to report any suspicious activities around the site to the police to help prevent further damage and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Victoria Collier, Catchment Manager for Welsh Water, said: 鈥淭hese break-ins are very concerning for us. Welsh Water is the only not-for-profit water company in England and Wales, therefore customers鈥 bills shouldn鈥檛 be used to pay for damage, but for investments and upgrades.
鈥淏eyond the financial implications and environmental harm, our biggest concerns are for the health and safety of those involved.
“There is a reason why the site has security fencing and warning signs. The site contains very deep, aerated tanks, which means that should anything or anyone fall in, they would be pulled to the bottom and unable to float.鈥
The company have recently had to empty several tanks to retrieve equipment thrown into them. Contractors have also had to cut down trees that were set alight causing substantial damage to the site.
Victoria Collier added; 鈥淭hose who have broken in have also tampered with equipment which disrupted the site鈥檚 operations and could have caused significant environmental damage. We are working closely with the local police to identify those involved and to highlight the dangers of entering sites like these.鈥
Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson, North Wales Police said: 鈥淲e are concerned that these individuals are risking serious injury or worse every time they trespass onto the site.
鈥淚n particular, we are urging parents and carers to check where their children are during the evenings and make it clear to them about the risks involved. 鈥淲e are working closely with Welsh Water to deter these youngsters from accessing the site. The local policing team are carrying out high-visibility patrols around the site and are also liaising with local schools in the area.
鈥淚t is important that those involved understand they are committing offences by behaving in this way, and those who are involved will be dealt with robustly. Anybody who witnesses anti-social behaviour around the site is urged to contact North Wales Police immediately.鈥 Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone