FIVE windows, newly planted trees and bins have been damaged in a spate of vandalism in Fordingbridge.

The town council has reported an increase in vandalism to its property, including glass bottles being smashed and reports of cruelty to wildlife.

A spokesperson for Fordingbridge Town Council said: “Over the recent past there has been an increase in vandalism on our town council property, resulting in five windows being smashed at the Pavilion building, damage to newly planted trees and damage to bins next to the skate park.

“Glass bottles have been smashed and planted into the ground to potentially cause injury and we have had reports of cruelty to the wildlife that inhabit the park and the river. We have also recorded incidents of theft during renovation works to the Pavilion.

“With the apparent rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal offences at our recreation ground we are now installing CCTV cameras.

“We hope this will help to serve as a deterrent to the small minority of individuals who perpetrate acts of this nature. We will share CCTV evidence with the police to aid a conviction if this is appropriate.

“If you witness any incidents at the recreation ground that involve the damage to property, person or wildlife please report this directly to the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”