WANTON vandalism was slammed by shocked councillors, who called for greater public involvement in fighting crime. Two bridges over the stream in the Bannawell Street play area were smashed up in the latest attack by vandals? beer bottles were shattered and glass spread across the park and a picnic bench was damaged. Cllr Ted Sherrell, at a meeting of the town?s properties committee, said it was ?particularly upsetting? to see photographic evidence of the damage. Cllr Sherrell said: ?It?s mindless vandalism that could have injured life and limb. This is wanton, malevolent criminality ? it?s an attack on the wider community. ?It?s going to cost the council tax payer a lot to put right. It?s got to the point where we have to say to the people of the town, ?We have all got to fight this together?. If people see this happening and they have mobile phones with them, call 999.? Cllr Sherrell said acts of vandalism should be given their true name? acts of criminal damage. ?The people who commit these offences aren?t vandals, they are criminals and if everybody gets that into their mind, perhaps it would help.? Cllr Brian Trew said it was ?high time? people stopped being frightened of reporting crimes if they saw them being committed. Cllr Mandy Govier said the damage to the bridges was ?wanton? and could not have been done quietly. Town mayor Jenny Metcalf said she felt many people had ?a genuine fear of personal retribution? if they reported crime. Cllr Iain Andrews said: ?We wouldn?t want anyone to put themselves in a position where they are in physical danger, but we need to encourage a community spirit that understands that it?s criminal damage that is taking place.? The damage in the Bannawell Street play area has been reported to the police. Anyone with any information regarding the incident should contact Tavistock Police Station, quoting crime number 1166.