VANDALS caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage to Middlewich businesses last weekend.

A meter box was smashed off the wall, shutters were damaged and a picnic table was thrown into the back of the premises at The Accord Clinic in Hightown.

The incident is believed to have happened at about 2am on Saturday.

“I’m totally and utterly fed up with it,” said owner Frances Cowper.

“What have they got against us? I was just fearful of what damage the meter box could have caused to other people.

“It was live wires and all day it was left in that state. The devastation it could have caused is unbelievable.

“You see little fingers walking past and children do have the urge to touch things.”

Across the road at St Michael and All Angels Church, wooden tubs containing flowers were also overturned and three windows were smashed at Tesco Express, in Wheelock Street.

This is just one of a number of incidents over the last fortnight.

PSCO Lorraine Meggs told the Guardian there has been a spike in the number of unoccupied buildings and properties targeted by vandals.

This included the charity-run pre-school group Tommy Thumbs which looks after children at the Wych Centre, in Civic Way.

On September 1, the plastic dome of a £400 climbing frame was smashed, making it dangerous to play on, and the culprits stole a £60 sensory ball which is used by youngsters with special needs.

Then on September 5, vandals climbed over the Wych Centre’s five and a half foot fence and scattered toys and a sand tray on Market Field.

Chairman Diane McKenzie said: “We are trying to do our best for the children and it’s being ripped away. In this economic climate, that’s not hard.

“I just find it despicable that they want to steal from children under the age of four. The children have been very upset.”

PSCO Meggs added: “Middlewich neighbourhood policing team is aware of the recent spate of criminal damage occurring in the town.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated, a number of suspects have been identified and are currently being dealt with by police.

“Patrols have been stepped up and the areas will be targeted by the police. Anyone caught doing this will be prosecuted.”