Vandal spree in Axminster costs businesses thousands

A VANDAL went on a spree scratching crosses up to 2ft high on several shops in Axminster.

Businesses are faced with thousands of pounds worth of damage after nearly 30 properties were hit, mainly along South Street and Silver Street. A car was also damaged at Tesco petrol station.

Shops damaged include Complete Meats, Trinity House, Shoe Mate, and Leonard hairdressers.

Mark Hankey, manager at Trinity House, said the cross was about one 1ft wide and high and nearly 3mm thick. He said it would cost around a �2,000 to replace a window.

The vandalism is believed to have been carried out overnight on Wednesday, September 1.

A 39-year-old local man has been charged with three offences of criminal damage and is due to appear in court on September 21.