‘Mindless vandals’ responsible for a series of anti-social incidents in Saundersfoot, including causing damage to property have been labelled ‘village idiots’ by a community councillor.

In recent weeks, damage caused to a life-saving emergency defibrillator placed outside Regency Hall building was slammed by the community; whilst other sporting facilities within the vicinity have also been targeted.

Community councillor and Trustee of the Regency Hall Clr. Susan Boughton-Thomas is now appealing to parents or friends who may have knowledge of who some of the offenders may be, to step in, to try and ‘drill some sense into them’ - after some of those in question, which she has called ‘village idiots’ were abusive to staff and volunteers on duty at the Regency.

“When the beautiful village of Saundersfoot is full to bursting with visitors who love the area as much as those of us lucky enough to live here, we sometimes tend to ‘blame the visitors’ on the odd occasion when some damage occurs or litter is left where it drops.

“However, this is definitely currently not the case in and around the King George V Playing Fields, home to the Regency Hall, Sports Club and playing fields, the Play Park, MUGA and Bowing Club,” remarked Clr. Boughton-Thomas.

“In recent weeks, and in fact throughout lockdown, local teenagers have regularly been camped outside the entrance door of the Regency Hall, drinking, sometimes taking drugs, leaving their litter, and being abusive to staff and volunteers on duty.

“During the recent Bank Holiday weekend, the defibrillator which is housed on the wall outside the Library entrance, was damaged and smashed and is no longer usable, until able to be replaced.

“In June, the tennis net in the MUGA area was damaged, sand bags opened onto the playing surface and left, and a recently cleared area of greenery next to the Bowling Club was turned overnight into a bike racing area,” she continued.

“There is extensive CCTV coverage throughout the area, and liaison between the Regency Hall and Community Council, has enabled identification of some of these mindless vandals, and all footage and details have been passed on to the police for action.

“As the CCTV is live CCTV, it is being constantly monitored by staff and volunteers, and any future incidents will be actioned immediately.

“I would and others in the community, would appeal to any parents or friends who have knowledge of who these perpetrators may be, to step in, if at all possible, and try and drill some sense into them, and ensure they are more respectful, and emphasise that the CCTV is ‘live’, and is being constantly monitored, so their actions will be on record and in the possession of the police, as soon as any further vandalism occurs,” added Clr. Boughton-Thomas.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police commented: “Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams have provided crime prevention advice to the Community Council in order to prevent such events occurring.

“Regular patrols are being conducted, however we would encourage residents to contact us in order to report these occurrences.

“Should you wish to report such activity please do so via 101, or via the on line reporting on Dyfed-Powys Police website.

“Operation Lion patrols along with the Neighbourhood Policing Teams will be operating in the area during the weekend periods and will be engaging with residents and visitors,” they added.