KENNEBUNK — Kennebunk Police are requesting information from the public regarding several vandalized benches along Gooch’s Beach.
Lt. Eric O’Brien said police noticed the overturned and broken benches along the sidewalk of Beach Avenue around 4 a.m. on Sunday while out on patrol.
A total of about nine benches were damaged, each with a value of about $900, O’Brien said.
The benches had been donated by community members in memory of loved ones and had commemorative plaques on them.
There were a couple of portable toilets tipped over as well, but they weren’t damaged, said O’Brien.
Police are asking people with information on the vandalism to contact the department at 985-6121.
A Facebook post from the police department generated more than 100 comments.
“So disrespectful. Hoping they can catch them,” wrote one commentor.
“We drive 8 hours every summer to sit on one of those benches,” wrote another.
Town Manager Michael Pardue said the benches are town property. The town has filed an insurance claim and is working to ensure the benches are replaced as soon as possible, he said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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