Vandals costing firms 'thousands'

There has been an increase in vandalism in Newquay

Fishermen and firms in north Cornwall say the growing problem of vandalism in Newquay is hitting their pockets hard.

They say it is costing them thousands of pounds a year to replace stolen or damaged equipment.

And over the last 12 months there have been several serious incidents including one instance in which a supermarket trolley was pushed over a cliff.

On Friday, the Blue Reef Aquarium on Towan Beach was the victim of criminal damage when a rock was thrown through a glass door.

People need to look out for each other and try and put a stop to this vandalism

Businessman Richard Smith

Manager Richard Smith said: "We usually get a few happenings each year but it does seem to get worse at weekends.

"We are at the bottom of a cliff and things get thrown over it such as supermarket trolleys and road signs. It sometimes happens during the day and it can be quite dangerous."

Mr Smith said that it was not just a case of repairing the damage, there were also hidden costs to consider.

"We had to close our cafe after the rock was thrown through the window because we couldn't have customers in with broken glass and that cost us money.

"Everyone seems to turn a blind eye to the problem when it is not their property. But people need to look out for each other and try and put a stop to this vandalism."