A spate of vandalism has caused thousands of pounds of damage to Dereham.On Friday night at least five shops in Dereham had their windows smashed, signs destroyed or guttering torn down.

A spate of vandalism has caused thousands of pounds of damage to Dereham.

On Friday night at least five shops in Dereham had their windows smashed, signs destroyed or guttering torn down.

Centre manager Nigel Sizeland said: “There has been a lot of damage to the area. On a Friday and Saturday night there will always be some damage but this is on a big scale.

“Large windows which cost at least £800 to replace have been shattered. Illuminated signs which also cost a lot have been pulled off.

“It seems a shame the one night there needs to be heavy policing in the area there wasn't an officer in sight. The police didn't even know anything about it until I reported it.”

Starlings Toy Shop and Bon Marche in Wrights Walk were attacked, while part of the guttering that had only just been repaired earlier that day following previous vandalism was ripped off in Nelsons Place.

One shop worker, who did not wish to be named, said: “It's awful. Every week something else is destroyed. Drunk people go past and think it's funny to cause trouble.

“We've had people using the street as a toilet, banging shoes on the window to set off alarms. It's horrible.”

Anyone with information should contact Dereham police station on 0845 4564567.