A COUNCILLOR has called for more action to protect seafront businesses after a spate of vandalism.
Hove Lagoon has been targeted by vandals several times recently, including two break-ins this week.
It follows reports last month that thieves were causing damage to the animals and characters around the park.
The Argus previously reported that a shark’s head had been stolen, along with a parrot from a pirate’s shoulder, while damage was caused to a crocodile and gorilla on the miniature golf course.
In the end the shark’s head was returned after an apparent thief was confronted, and it has been reinstalled.
But Wish ward city ouncillorr Robert Nemeth said more needs to be done to
protect the businesses along Hove seafront. He said: “At the last full council meeting I asked for a list of the council’s actions in response to increased crime on Hove seafront.
“I made the case that it shouldn’t simply be a matter left for the police when the council has a such a serious financial stake in the matter, whether it be through its property or that of its tenants.
“Not a single action was listed.”
Cllr Nemeth said that a group was going around causing the damage.
Meanwhile Friends of Hove Lagoon said damage has been caused to trampolines, shelters and beach huts in the area this week.
Sue Johnson said a council CCTV camera needs to be used to look out for the vandals and footage sent to the police needs to be investigated.
She said: “We’ve been told the police don’t have the
resources to look at the footage.
“But if they can’t check it, what is the point of having it?
“This is persistent now, but nobody seems to be doing anything about it.”
Cllr Nemeth added: “Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn and I speak with victims of seafront crime every single week and can’t for the life of us understand why the council and police response has been so underwhelming.
“A small group of people is obviously committing the crimes and they are hanging around most nights.”
Sussex Police were contacted for a comment.
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