http://uk.news.yahoo.com/vandals-blow-p ... 37174.html[Admin edited to add quote] Press Association – Thu, Nov 24, 2011
Press Association wrote:
Vandals are targeting parking meters in Lewes, East Sussex
Vandals armed with explosives have restarted a dangerous campaign of blowing up parking meters in a historic market town.
Fourteen machines have been attacked in Lewes, East Sussex, since mid-September, causing more than £20,000 of damage.
Police chiefs and councillors say they are amazed no one has been injured and warned whoever is responsible that they could face jail.
The town - famous for its large annual Guy Fawkes night display - has been targeted by vandals systematically blowing up meters in the past. It started in 2004 after the local council introduced on-street parking charges following complaints of congestion in the county town's narrow streets.
In the two years that followed, the culprits caused £300,000 damage by destroying more than 200 meters, leading to higher permit charges and increased pay and display parking costs for residents and visitors.
Now it appears the dangerous and costly campaign has intensified again, with one machine - in Southover High Street - being completely destroyed. Others will be repaired or have been fixed already. No money has been stolen from the machines, which are valued at about £3,000 each.
A reward of £1,250 has been put up by East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and Lewes District Council for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney, Lewes district policing commander, said: "I can't believe anyone would be so reckless as to carry out such potentially dangerous acts. I'm amazed someone hasn't been injured.
"This is a serious spree of costly vandalism and we are determined to find out who is responsible. Someone knows who is doing this and it is important that they help us put a stop to it now before someone gets seriously injured." Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Seems a nationwide solution to narrow streets /parking problems =yellow lines/residents parking schemes (with a fee, naturally, even though it don't guarantee a space).
Are they worried about the public ,or the cost of the meters (and the lost revenue)
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Local rags always tow the party line.
I've just decide to let them waste their time and money .
Dead right .For cost of a SAE ,or an 0800 number call ,it's cost them a letter a month for two years ,plus possibly several abortive visits .I've even sent them back their unopened letters with none /not known againdt occupier -penny hasn't dropped .