Increased police patrols to tackle hay bale damage

Owners suffering 'unnecessary financial loss'

Police say they’re increasing patrols around fields in Douglas after reports of people climbing on wrapped hay bales.

The Eastern Neighbourhood Policing Team says it's received a number of complaints, over the last couple of weeks, of damage being caused.

The bales are within the fields off Johnny Watterson’s Lane.

Officers say by climbing on them, and ripping the plastic off, the hay is left to rot which renders the bales 'useless'.

Each time this happens it costs the owner around £200 to fix – something described as 'unnecessary financial loss'.