Soon after electric community scooters arrived in Great Bend, vandals learned how to use the rubber tires to create scuff marks. That’s how our tennis courts came to be damaged recently.

As soon as there’s anything new, someone somewhere will find a way to hack into it or tear it up. In this case, repairs to the tennis courts will cost about $22,000.

We’ve heard other communities have had terrible vandalism as well. Back in September, nearly three dozen tombstones in a cemetery near Hoisington were vandalized.

Now two of Hoisington’s parks have seen vandalism, City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said. “It’s been really frustrating.”

Bicentennial Park dugouts and a new concession stand at the park were hit. At Pride Park, a newly renovated bathroom is closed because of graffiti, damage to toilets and broken windows.

In all of these instances, money that could be spent on more community enhancements must instead be spent on repairs and the addition of more security.

Parents need to let children know that vandalism is bad for the community and hurts everyone. And those over 18 who disrespect their communities need to realize this as well, but it won’t matter if they don’t care. How sad.

The victims of these acts need to be vigilant in efforts to prevent future losses and they need to seek restitution whenever possible. Those who know something that could help law enforcement should consider contacting Crime Stoppers. They can call 620-792-1300 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to leave an anonymous tip about crime. And for long-distance calls from outside of Great Bend, the toll-free number is 1-888-305-1300. People can also leave a tip online, from a computer or smartphone, by going to P3 Global Intel’s website, p3tips.com. The P3 Tips app is available for Apple and Android phones.