Vandals and thieves have been targeting Sutton's parks.

Thieves stole 28 goal posts, together worth £3,500, from Beddington Park.

A children’s play area in Dale Park, Carshalton, was also vandalised when a section of safety surface was removed from under a slide.

The goalpost theft took place in Beddington Park on July 4, after 4.30pm.

Police recovered eight goal posts from a local scrap yard.

They are continuing with their enquiries.

Damage to Dale Park in Carshalton will cost £1800 to repair, and is said to have taken place between July 2 and July 4.

Councillor Graham Tope, executive member for community safety, leisure and libraries on Sutton Council, said: “Not only could these crimes put children’s safety at risk, they put extra strain on the council’s budget at a time when it is already under pressure.

“Anyone who has any information should contact the police and show that these selfish crimes will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information can contact Sutton Police Station on 020 8721 2268.