'Brainless' vandals attack charity

The charity helps more than 1,000 people a year

A Cornish mental health charity has accused vandals of "waging war" against its offices.

The headquarters of the Pentreath organisation have been repeatedly attacked.

Cars have been sprayed with paint, security lights smashed and a picnic table destroyed at its premises in Bugle, near St Austell.

The damage has left the organisation with bills totalling thousands of pounds.

I think it's brainless, really. I can't see what they achieve from it Chris Hazell

The charity assists about 1,000 people a year recovering from mental health problems. They are taught computer skills and are helped to find work.

But it says the incidents are putting extra pressure on its already over-stretched budget.

Chris Hazell, from the group, said the attacks have been going on for several years.

He said: "I think it's brainless, really. I can't see what they achieve from it. It's like a war almost."

PC John Redstone said patrols in the area will be stepped up.

He said: "I have spoken to youngsters who have been skateboarding to the rear of premises, who I understand the management have not had any problems with.

"But when damage is being caused, we've got to draw a line at that, and something will be done in order to catch the offenders."