Businesses were left counting the cost on Tuesday morning after vandals went on a wrecking spree at Torpoint's Trevol Business Park, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Among the firms hardest hit were R B Windows at Unit 2, and Iceberg Ltd, wholesale fishmerchants, the largest company on the Park. Four of its lorries were vandalised to such an extent that other vehicles had to be hired to carry out the usual runs, collecting fish from the market.
Two l7 tonne lorries and two seven and a half tonne lorries - as well as two vans - were targeted, and had their windscreens, headlights and mirrors completely smashed.
Around six to eight panes of toughened glass across the front of the factory were also attacked. Managing director of Iceberg Ltd, Andrew Wiseman, said: 'They also vandalised the toilets and smashed the windows of the canteen. The lorries were so badly hit we had to arrange to hire vehicles.'
Around 30 people work at the fishmerchants, who also have an outlet in Scotland and who have been at Trevol Business Park for about eight years. Mr Wiseman said that they have had trouble from vandals in the past, but not on such a scale. He added that extra police patrols were needed, and security would have to be stepped up.
Extra police presence was also called for by Richard Burchell of R B Windows, who said that the incident was 'just pure vandalism'. Immediately, on seeing the damage to windows at his Unit, he arranged for them to be replaced for security reasons. He said of the Park, which is on the outskirts of town: 'We do need more regular police patrols, but they have cut down on numbers around here.'
Police at Torpoint said the destruction happened between 6-8.30pm on Monday, and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen, or heard, something unusual which may help them with their enquiries. They were notified at 8.45pm after a person who works at the Park found the extensive damage.
Anyone who can help police should contact PC Mark Salisbury at Torpoint police station (tel 0990 777 444).