Vandals destroy recycling centre

MEMBERS of the public are being urged to contact police after vandals caused £25,000 worth of damage to a recycling centre during a late-night crime spree.

Jeremy Pembroke, leader of Suffolk County Council, was speaking out after an incident that happened at the authority's Foxhall Household Waste Recycling Centre, near Ipswich, between 6pm on Tuesday and 7.15am on Wednesday.

CCTV recording equipment along with video cameras were stolen and extensive damage was caused to the site office.

It is believed the offender or offenders knocked a hole into the office wall and when inside let off a foam fire extinguisher, destroying all of the computer equipment.

Last night Mr Pembroke said the actions had left him speechless and appealed for anyone who might have seen anything or who has been offered any CCTV equipment to come forward.

He said: “Everything has been totally ruined and we think it will cost us in the region of £25,000 to put right.

“If I'm honest words fail me because I am extremely angry. Theft is bad enough but to let off a fire extinguisher and do that sort of damage is just mindless.

“What really makes me cross is that the authority has to make significant savings and when I think of what good use £25,000 could be put to it makes me extremely annoyed. It is a struggle anyway but when something like this happens it really is like trying to push water up hill.

“I would urge anyone who may have seen something or who may have been offered CCTV equipment to get in touch with police so we can track down whoever did this.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed an investigation was underway.

Anyone with information should call Pc Mark Hurrell at Felixstowe on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.