TEIGNBRIDGE MP Richard Younger-Ross is pressing for further action after vandals wrecked parked cars and attacked a church in Teignmouth during an Easter crime spree.
Mr Younger-Ross said that the image of the popular holiday destination is at stake unless the police act fast to stamp out the low level crime. He has held talks with Teignbridge local commander Chief Insp Chris Stevens to ask for more action. 'I am pleased that the police have stepped up its activities over the past week.
'We have to tackle this petty vandalism because it will drive tourists away if they do not feel they can park their cars safely. 'It is potentially damaging to what is already a struggling industry,' he said. Vandals have repeatedly targeted Our Lady and St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Dawlish Road during the last few months.
More than £2,000 damage has been caused to the leaded windows. The cost of repairing the windows is now so high that the church cannot afford to repair them to their former glory. PC Leah Taylor said: 'The offences are generally happening between 6pm and midnight and with the lighter evenings I would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area of the church to contact us. The irresponsible behaviour of a few is spoiling the enjoyment of many and I'd like to catch them.' Police are also investigating after a number of cars were damaged in the Higher Brimley area. Vandals scratched the paintwork of the cars, parked overnight on Sunday, April 23. Town councillors have expressed concern that police community support officers may replace police officers on the streets. They have written to chief constable Maria Wallis for reassurance that Teignmouth policing will not suffer as a result. Cllr Sylvia Russell: 'My concern is that they do not have the same powers or level of training as police officers.
'Teignmouth police force is now up to strength and I wonder how these measures are going to effect policing in the town,' she said. Mr Younger-Ross welcomed a stronger uniformed presence on the streets, 'but it has to be at the right time. It is no good having them around at 2pm on a Monday when you need them at 2am on a Saturday,' he said. He also called on the town council to put in place its CCTV system and for more police covert surveillance cover in the town.