A HUNT has been launched for a gang of young vandals who caused thousands of pounds of damage at a Rishton company.

A group of children scaled a wall at Styropack Ltd on Parker Street, entered a secure outdoor compound and trashed it. They jumped on construction polystyrene blocks, causing £3,000 of damage.

Community Beat Manager PC Johanna Maden said: “It may well have been caused by some local youths and if anyone saw children in the area at the time then I would ask them to get in touch as we need to get to the bottom of this.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about this incident to come forward and contact the police.”

Chairman of Rishton Residents’ Association Jackie Waring, who lives in Parker Street, said police put notices through doors after the damage.

She said: “We were aware when it happened. I spoke to one of the officers when they posted the notice and they said there was a lot of damage. It looks like the company have been putting measures in to make sure they can’t get over the wall again.

“We haven’t had trouble for quite a while. At the allotments a year ago we had some ducks killed but we don’t know if that was kids.”

Coun Ken Moss said: “It’s disappointing kids feel this is an appropriate way to spend their time.”

And Coun Clare Cleary also described the incident as ‘disappointing’. She said: “Children left to their own devices can get into trouble.”

The incident happened on Saturday, July 6. Anyone with information is asked to call the Great Harwood Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 quoting log reference 810 of July 8.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.