Vandals damage Cape Point campground
The National Park Service said today that the Cape Point Campground was deliberately vandalized on Tuesday evening, Feb. 10.
NPS rangers are investigating vandalism to multiple loops of the campground where a vehicle drove off the paved access road and over vegetation, destroying significant areas of sensitive grass and low lying areas with tire tracks.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore closes all campgrounds annually during the winter months to camping activities but allows access for public entry to observe wildlife, wintering shorebirds, and jogging and walking enthusiasts.
In a news release, park officials said, “The recent senseless crime committed by vandals driving off-road, spinning tires, doing ‘doughnuts’ and circles in the grass, running over carsonite signs, breaking fences and ballards, and destroying the landscape leaves park managers puzzled.”
Park Superintendent David Hallac added that “We now may have to spend thousands of dollars to repair the landscape when those funds could be better spent on public access projects and more constructive amenities for our visiting public.
“The damage to public lands belonging to our local communities,” he said, “was unnecessary and may temporarily ruin the opportunity for others to enjoy the solitude of the winter season campground access.”
NPS law enforcement personnel continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the National Park Service directly at 252-475-9010. To leave anonymous information, please contact the Dare Community Crime Line at 252-473-3111 or 800-745-2746. A reward for any information leading to a conviction in this case is being offered. Please contact: http://darecommunitycrimeline.org/cms.
Destruction of government property is a federal criminal violation, each subject up to a $5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.
