Owners of a popular Suffolk visitor attraction have warned “we won’t suffer abuse” after a group of boys caused hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage.
Four boys on bikes are reported to have smashed signs and wooden chairs at Suffolk Food Hall in Wherstead last month.
The damage was caused at around 6pm on Monday, June 4, at the venue in Peppers Lane – leading to a witness appeal issued by police today.
Oliver Paul, director at Suffolk Food Hall, said it was a “pointless crime” that had involved anti-social behaviour.
“I think the worst part is that it’s very disheartening for staff.
“We don’t charge the public to attend our venue and they have lots of think that they can enjoy for free.
“But with that there’s open access and there’s always the danger that people come and take liberties.
Suffolk Food Hall, which was judged “Best Local Food venue in the UK and Ireland” by the Countryside Alliance, offers a range of food-focussed attractions as well as a children’s play area.
“We’ve come to accept that staff have to pick up dog mess that gets left behind,” Mr Paul added.
“But when you’ve got hard working staff trying to give the best possible customer service only to have it thrown back in their face, it’s really disheartening.
“We are not a public service and we won’t suffer abuse from people taking liberties.
Mr Paul said incidents such as this were rare and he praised Suffolk Constabulary for its help.
Suffolk police issued several images today showing the damage caused by the vandals as well as two of the suspects cycling away from Suffolk Food Hall.
“Staff asked four boys on bikes to leave after an incident of anti-social behaviour,” a police spokesman said.
“They refused and then caused around £800 of damage to signs and wooden chairs.”
Among the images released by police is a picture of two boys, one of whom is wearing a face scarf with a skull pattern.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Suffolk Police on 101, quoting reference 37/30535/18.
People can call contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.
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