Four Winchester teenagers have been found guilty of vandalising property at a concrete plant.

They caused damage of around £1,000 at RMC's premises in Easton Lane, Winnall, Winchester, in three raids last month.

The vandals smashed windows on a JCB digger, broke into an outbuilding, and threw a chemical toilet into water used for making concrete.

PC Don Stubbington, beat officer for Winnall, said an appeal published in the Chronicle on Friday, December 13th, had been "very helpful" in catching the youngsters, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

"Solving this case has become possible because of closed-circuit television images in the Hampshire Chronicle."

All four teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were found guilty at Basingstoke Youth Court of burglary and two were guilty of criminal damage.

None of the youths had a criminal record. As such, they were given an official reprimand by Inspector Chris May of Winchester police under the "three strikes and you're out" ruling.

Should they re-offend within three years they will receive a final warning. A third offence may result in a transfer to secure accommodation.

RMC project manager, Dave Edwards, praised the police and the Hampshire Chronicle in helping to identify the youths.

He added: "The youths didn't actually cause a lot of damage to the plant but there was a nuisance factor.

"If the caution serves the purpose that they do not come back, then we could not hope for anything more. Though if the vandals return, then we will feel a little aggrieved."