Rising Cost Of Vandalism Hits Taxpayers

Over the last year Belper Town Council has had to pay almost five thousand pounds to replace items that have been stolen or vandalised.

These include replacing the stolen Christmas snow man at Milford, regular repairs to Mr Potato Head, damage to Christmas lights on the Memorial Gardens and damage to the public toilets on Strutt Street.

Nailed reported back in June how the memorial gardens were vandalised prior to the Britain In Bloom judging.

The sum given by the Council equates to almost 2% of the Council’s annual budget. Belper Town Council state that as a result they will have to cut spending elsewhere.

The Council has moved Mr Potato Head to De Bradelei Courtyard, which is locked during the evening, to protect it from vandalism.

If anyone witnesses a crime they should contact the police on 101 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If the incident is serious call 999.”

Attached: photograph of damage done to Mr Potato Head’s hand and the new Snow Man at Milford