Vandals break into estate and 'cause £25k damage'

Five vehicles were damaged with windows smashed and three engines were running, the company said

A coach company in Lincoln claims vandals broke into their site and caused £25,000 in damage.

On the evening of 18 May, five PC Coaches vehicles on the Allenby Road Industrial Estate were damaged with windows smashed and three engines left running.

The firm has offered a £1,000 reward to anyone with information that might assist police but has criticised the force for not having "control" over those responsible.

Lincolnshire Police said it was working with the local community and inquiries were ongoing.

Stephen Bryce said he is "disappointed" by the police

Stephen Bryce, managing director of PC Coaches, said one of his drivers had called and said he had heard "smashing and shouting" from the depot.

Mr Bryce said when he got there the vandals had gone but CCTV showed one had "scaled the fence" and cut a hole for others to come through.

A few vehicles were off-road for a few days awaiting repairs

He said: "On the night the police were really good. They came and deployed dogs into the depot to look for the offenders.

"After that we've not heard anything. It's disappointing, we go to bed at night worried about what's going to happen next.

"Police seem to have no authority or control over these youths."

Mr Bryce said while they had been able to continue with a full service the following day, a few vehicles were off-road for four days awaiting repairs.

Councillor Martin Christopher said he was working with the authorities to tackle issues on the estate

Martin Christopher, a City of Lincoln councillor who also works on the estate, said problems had "escalated" from anti-social behaviour to criminal damage.

He said Mr Bryce had gone to him for support in February because people had broken into the yard and caused damaged.

Mr Christopher said: "It was initially pretty low-level stuff but my understanding is that it has escalated.

"This has become more frequent and we're getting more and more attempts at damaging things - there are other businesses in the estate which I think have had similar experiences now."

Mr Christopher said he was working with authorities to tackle issues on the estate.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed it had received a complaint of criminal damage from PC Coaches and had asked for the CCTV footage.

A force spokesperson said: "Our inquiries are ongoing. The neighbourhood team for the Allenby Road Industrial Estate are aware of the incidents that have happened in the area and are working with the local community."

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