POLICE have defended their actions in a town where there has been an outbreak of vandalism.Traders in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, have complained about the display of anti-social behaviour which coincides with warm weather and long evenings.

POLICE have defended their actions in a town where there has been an outbreak of vandalism.

Traders in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, have complained about the display of anti-social behaviour which coincides with warm weather and long evenings. They have previously handed in petitions and called for CCTV.

Barretts furnishing store says piping on the side of their building has been replaced for the fifth time in three years after it was ripped away.

Paul Vale, Barretts manager, said: "In the last four weeks we have had several incidents in our car park of smashed glasses, bottles, vomit or urine all over our back door entrance, and human faeces near our skip. We have not reported these nuisances to the police as the past response has not been positive and after the event very little can be done."

There have been reports of a group of young people climbing onto the new block of toilets and seven windows were smashed at St John's Church.

Mr Vale told Trevor Brundle, Woodbridge sector police inspector, that the town's vulnerable periods were from 6.30pm to 1am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"Last year when the same things were happening you increased the police presence during the daytime period of 4pm to 5pm and although this is commendable it is not when the pressure points have been.

"Whilst we have very strong views on the need of CCTV cameras, these are not available and therefore have no alternative but to barrack you for immediate action," added Mr Vale.

Insp Brundle said vandalism was a problem throughout the Woodbridge area with about the same number of incidents as last year.

"When we can ascertain any particular patterns or areas where it occurs regularly, we will try and increase the police presence in that area.

"But there can not be a police officer posted to that area 24 hours a day which means there is no guarantee a police officer will be there when any damage occurs. We are aware that the area at the rear of the shops in the Thoroughfare is where youngsters congregate and we do our best to have a police presence there at the appropriate times," said Mr Brundle.

He urged the public to call 999 if they noticed anything suspicious.