ANGRY business owners in Callington have criticised the lack of deterrent for criminals, after the town suffered a night of damage and burglaries last week. Damage amounting to thousands of pounds was caused after eight premises were broken into and items including costume jewellery and a ball gown were stolen. The crime spree overnight on February 21/22 occurred two days after the sentencing of two of the seven youths involved in the last summer's vandalism attack on Callington Community College, which left £26,000 worth of damage. Two 18-year-olds from outside the area were given a 12-month conditional discharge by Liskeard Magistrates and ordered to pay compensation and costs totalling £90 between them. Sue Wallis, one of the directors from family firm Trewartha, Gregory and Doidge said this was the eighth time the business had been broken into since July last year and blamed youths for the problem. 'To say it's frustrating is an understatement — it always happens in the school holidays and these kids are just laughing at us — they seem to be totally untouchable,' she said. 'There is no back-up for the police when they catch these people — they just get let off.' Mrs Wallis said she was appalled by the sentence handed to the youngsters for the college damage. 'A conditional discharge for £26,000 worth of damage is no deterrent,' she said. 'It is very much a minority of kids who are to blame but it is a growing minority because they are getting away with it.' Gail Buttery from Langman's Restaurant said her premises had also experienced repeated vandalism. She said: 'This is the third time we have had a window smashed. It's no joke. 'This was half term and we believe it was bored kids. 'In the middle of the night when these crimes occur you have to ask why the parents do not know where their children are. 'This is the sort of thing that gives Callington a bad name — business is not thriving here at the moment and is it any wonder? It discourages new businesses from coming in.' Callington Town Council is still investigating the possibility of getting a CCTV scheme up and running in the town centre. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crimes which occurred from 10pm on February 21 until around 4am the following morning. Callington Cricket Club was broken into and alcohol stolen, a window was broken at Kevin Coopers and Prism Hairdressers and a charity shop in Biscombe's Lane also suffered break-ins. Police believe a security light ripped off the wall in Church Street and a wheelie bin were used to assist criminals. Sgt Brett Phillips said he was very concerned about last week's spate of burglaries and damage and is urging people to call the police on 08452 777444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Sgt Phillips believes someone locally will have some information concerning the incidents. 'What we will be doing is looking at instigating the ASBO (anti social behaviour order) process for any perpetrators involved in criminal damage,' he said. 'Statistics show that a large amount of damage is contributed to alcohol misuse by young people. 'We continue to work closely with the town council to tackle these issues such as the implementation of an alcohol free zone which is currently being investigated.'
