Notice of motion calls for all incidents of vandalism to be logged

REPEATED vandalism in a councillor’s ward prompted a Notice of Motion calling for all incidents to be logged to provide the “bigger picture.”

Logging all incidents of vandalism on council property and its cost to repair will “encapsulate what’s happening across the county” said Cllr Viv Stoddart at services overview and scrutiny on Tuesday (January 28).

If costs become “prohibitive” communities risk losing the buildings or assets such as public toilets.

Cllr Stoddart’s motion was backed by the committee with six monthly updates on incidents to be brought back for scrutiny.

She told the committee that the report prepared following her motion included figures which were “shocking.”

“We’ve got to safeguard our buildings and assets but when we think what we are spending and that could be spent on something else, it’s shocking,” said Cllr Stoddart.

The council’s building maintenance system does not differentiate between works on empty properties or works required due to vandalism, but costs over the last 12 months include £1,800 at Hakin Junior and Infant School and £2,000 at Ocky White in Haverfordwest.

Amounts ranging from £200 to £500 were spent at Stackpole school, Foley House, Haverfordwest Library, Martello Tower and Narberth School.

Cllr Stoddart added: “There’s a tendency to think of vandalism as low level or petty crime but it’s not because it affects us all.”

Cllr Jamie Adams questioned the amount being spent on security at Ysgol Glan Cleddau – more than £50,000 from the 21st Century Schools budget – and was told it was to ensure it was in a reasonable state for refurbishment.