More than 30 plants stolen from floral displays in South Shields town centre - South Tyneside Council slams acts of vandalism

The floral planters have been on display in King Street, Fowler Street and Ocean Road areas, all saw plants removed from them, leading to the council requesting residents respect the floral displays and asking for anyone who may know anything to come forward.

South Tyneside Council said it introduced the displays around South Shields town centre to help brighten up the area in the summer months and described the vandalism as completely unacceptable.

A council spokesperson said: “The floral displays and planters are there to help brighten up South Shields Town Centre over the summer and are for the enjoyment of all those who visit.

“For the bedding plants to be vandalised in this way, with the flowers pulled from the soil and some left discarded on the ground, is completely unacceptable.

“We thank the community for bringing this to our attention and helping to salvage some of the plants.

“We are in the process of replacing missing plants and would urge anyone who comes across such wanton destruction to report it to us at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/reportit so we can act.

“We also kindly ask that people don’t sit on the planters and risk causing more damage to the bedding. There is seating available in the area.”

The vandalism incidents, which are believed to have all taken place over one week, have been reported to Northumbria Police.

The news prompted an angry reaction from Gazette readers commenting on our Facebook page.

David Barber: “I'm sure they compete to see who can do the worst thing, not even worried about getting caught.”

He added that young people may be behind some incidents in the town centre, but some adults did not set the best example either.

Andy O'Neill said: “Respect?? These idiots don't know the meaning of the word, they have never known or shown any.

"I wouldn't bother replacing them they will do it again. Same with the bus shelters, two on station road Hebburn have been smashed at least four times this year alone with both done at the same time , why put glass in them to begin with is beyond me.”

Joanne Mclaughlin was among those who felt more cameras were needed in the town centre to deter such incidents.

She said: “I think the money would be better spent on decent CCTV. It's getting worse around shields Town and its such a shame but if there getting away with it all the time.”