Police investigating seven reports of vandalism and attacks at Portchester library

The vandals have been targeting Portchester library, in West Street, which is connected via a foyer to The Portchester Practice, a medical centre.

Police released details of the seven reported incidents today and appealed to the public for help catching the perpetrators.

Ward councillor Roger Price labelled the acts as ‘mindless vandalism’ and called on Hampshire County Council, which runs the library, to step up its security.

He said: ‘It is criminal want and damage. I cannot understand why they are doing it, unless they hold a grudge against the library service for some unknown reason.

‘Until we catch them, we will never know.

‘I have suggested they should put in a CCTV system. This expenditure will be minimal compared to the recurrent cost of replacing expensive and bespoke round windows.’

The reported incidents are:

* November 21 from 8.30pm until 6.45am on November 24 – glass on the library door and a small circular window was smashed

* November 23 from 8.30pm until November 24 – a window at the rear of the health centre was smashed.

* December 1 from 8.30pm until 6.45am on December 2 – a double-glazed window next to the door of the library was smashed and computer equipment, including a scanner and DVD drive, was taken.

* December 31 from 5pm until January 2 8.30am – library window broken with a brick.

* January 22 from 8pm until January 23 at 8am – damage to outside of health centre reported.

* January 23 from 5pm until January 24 8.30am – window in fire exit is smashed in the foyer.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said they were investigating whether the incidents were connected.

He said: ‘Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious at those times is asked to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 44160040197.’