Vandals have struck in Nairn, destroying a picnic bench funded by local businesses in the latest in a spate of attacks on public property in the town.
Community leaders and police yesterday spoke of their disappointment and frustration at such incidents.
The bench is at the BMX and skate park in the resort’s Mill Road.
Local councillor Laurie Fraser said he believed it was a minority of youngsters, bored and with nothing more useful to do.
He added: “Unfortunately, it’s been an ongoing problem there for the past 10 or 15 years. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen often but we could really do without this sort of activity.
“It would be nice to get them to do community service – picking up litter.”
Police appealed for information.
Pc Elizabeth O’Grady said: “It’s disappointing to see community property mindlessly destroyed. I’d encourage anyone who has information to come forward and speak to us.”
Last November, Millbank Primary School was broken into and a four-figure sum of money and electrical items stolen. The school was the victim of vandalism in September 2014 when various items were set ablaze.
In November 2015, vandals damaged the popular paddling pool at Nairn Links.
In June 2014, youths attacked a moving car at the town’s Parkdean Caravan Park, damaging a passenger window and its windscreen wipers.
The previous month, vandals damaged a toilet block at Nairn Dunbar Golf Club.
Anyone with information about the latest incident is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.