Police up CCTV on bridge hit by ‘stupid’ vandals

CCTV coverage of the Adur Ferry Bridge has been stepped up in an effort to catch the vandals responsible for smashing four of its glass panels.
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Police have ramped up their surveillance of the bridge and have vowed to put more officers on the scene to tackle the problem as taxpayers become increasingly fed up with footing the bill.

But some, including East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton, have called for cameras to be installed on the south side of the bridge where the damage has been done.

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“I am outraged and astonished that this mindless hooliganism has happened again and that a few inconsiderate vandals are ruining the new Adur Ferry Bridge for everyone else,” said Mr Loughton.

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“The bridge is an iconic addition to the Shoreham skyline, at no little expense to local taxpayers, and we need to redouble efforts to catch the culprits and make sure they are brought to book and confronted with the outrage their stupidity is causing local residents.”

Inspector Allan Lowe said Sussex Police were aware of the damage and said officers were working closely with the council to address the issue.

“Local CCTV is fully functional and is able to view the bridge in addition to other areas of Shoreham town centre,” said Insp. Lowe.

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“CCTV signs are being put in various locations to remind people of the presence of cameras and extra police patrols have been put in place.

“Any person causing damage to the bridge should be aware that there is a high probability of being caught.”

David Simmons, chairman of the Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership, said: “This mindless damage to our iconic bridge is a travesty caused by people who simply cannot be allowed to succeed in trashing our town.”

Mr Simmons said the police could not tackle the issue alone, and called on residents to take notice of suspicious behaviour around the bridge, note the descriptions of those involved and tell the police.

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A £200 reward has been offered by Shoreham residents for information leading to the conviction of whoever is responsible.

A county-council spokes-
man said: “We suspect an emergency safety hammer like the ones on buses to shatter a window to get out in an emergency has been used.”

Replacing one bespoke panel would cost the council about £5,000, including the hiring of all necessary heavy plant, but the council hopes to be able to replace all four at the same time.

Anyone with information on the vandalism can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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