Vandals who have been placing thumbtacks and sewing needles around playground equipment in Woodstock have struck again.
City workers discovered more of the sharp objects in the mulch and sandbox at Southside Park around 7 a.m. on Monday.
Nearly five hours later, thumbtacks were found around the schoolyard and at the playground of an elementary school on Hunter Street. At 4:30 p.m., an additional ten sewing needles were located under one of the spider web climbers at Southside Park.
The park was closed temporarily for clean up after each discovery. As crews worked to rid the park of the potentially dangerous items they noticed a suspicious male in the area. He was unshaven with long shaggy brown hair slicked back and was smoking a cigarette. He was wearing dark clothes, a hoodie, and was carrying a black backpack.
Similar acts of vandalism happened at the park in August. In the first incident, park workers found nails spread throughout the cricket pitch and nearby playing area. Two weeks later tacks and sewing needles were found on the swings, the bottom of a slide, and on other play equipment in the park.
Woodstock police are now asking parents to always inspect the area prior to allowing children to play. Any sharp objects found in the public play area should be reported to police immediately at 519-537-2323.
The city has also increased its playground and park inspections as a precaution.