A pair of vandals smashed windows, overturned furniture and caused significant damage in an early morning wrecking spree.
The two young yobs were filmed by security cameras at Rockwater, on Hove seafront, as they went about a “senseless act of vandalism”.
The sustained attack happened at about 4am yesterday (Friday 25 July) when the vandals broke several glass windows and “caused extensive property damage”.
Rockwater said: “While substantial damage was inflicted on the building, nothing was reported stolen from the premises.”
Venue bosses said that they were working closely with Sussex Police and have provided both images and CCTV footage of the incident to help the investigation.
Rockwater founder Luke Davis said: “We’re deeply disappointed that someone would target our venue in this way.
“Rockwater has always been about bringing the community together and celebrating our beautiful coastal location.
“This senseless act of vandalism not only damages our property but impacts our team and the local community who rely on us.
“We’re confident that with the evidence we have and the support of local police, those responsible will be held accountable.”
Rockwater added: “The venue is assessing the extent of the damage and working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Sussex Police immediately.”
Wednesday 4am Tesco foyer got broken into and set alight.
Friday 4am – down the road from Tesco, Rockwater got broken into and badly vandalised
Any connection?
Absolute brainless scum. I.hope they’re caught and made an example of. Some manual work in the community, confiscating their phones etc to put towards paying for the damage, and getting the rest from the so called parents, assuming they’ve bothered to stick around.
They caught both sets of vandals on CCTV, they aren’t the same people.
I’ve seen this on Tbe Argus Website, and the Guy they looking for reguarding Tesco-did it alone.
But these are Rockwater are Teenagers apparently and the 1 at the front of the Image looks young, a young Teenager around 13/14 Yrs old, what are they doing out at 4am doing this wreck less act of Vandalism-who expects these incidents happening in Hove Actually
One person on CCTV at the Tesco crime scene but what else might Tesco and the police be choosing not to reveal?
How can you be so sure ‘he acted alone’?
Well I’m not, just there are 2 images of the Same Man at the Entrance of Tesco-tall with a long sleeved top on
They have caught the Teenagers quick enough haven’t they, not the Tesco guy yet as far as I know.
The Police, Boys Parents, and Boys should be going down to Rockwater to speak to the Owner.
When that Vandal did something similar to Fatboy Slims Cafe-just because they have the Money doesn’t mean they should be targeted like this and those responsible are given a slap on the Wrist, costs more on the Insurance no doubt .
It’s always interesting to read the comments in situations like this.
As it happens, I live almost opposite Rockwater, and I heard nothing.
Two 14 year olds have since been arrested, and my reaction is: 1) They made some wrong choices, and 2) Why and how are 14 year olds out at 4am? This suggests trouble at home.
Rockwater dealt with the issue quickly, and replacement glass panels have been quickly installed.
It will take longer to decide who will pick up the costs.
At the same time, ‘bringing back the birch’ is not the answer here.
Luckily, neither our police, not the social workers, will think that way.
For sure, these kids need some sort of punishment. I’d suggest their school holidays now should entail daily Hove Beach Park flower bed weeding – including the sunken garden behind Rockwater.
They need to learn to respect – and a connection – to our shared local space.
“ For sure, these kids need some sort of punishment. I’d suggest their school holidays now should entail daily Hove Beach Park flower bed weeding – including the sunken garden behind Rockwater”
Would this not infringe their ‘human rights’?
These delightful young men also vandalised the outside of the life guard office (west of Rockwater), cut the rope from the life belt (rendering it useless), pulled down the fishing line disposal unit, and tipped over a number of the large, wheeled bins between Rockwater and the Lagoon. Thus, in one orgy of violence, risking the lives of humans and wildlife too.
It was not just windows at Rockwater and the life guardstation too? Sorry but these junior league thugs must not escape criminal damage convictions. And social services must take an interest in their parents contribution. These boys are criminals with no moral compass. And that requires explanation by their parents.
Wait a minute… they weren’t riding ebikes? 😮
Bring back the stocks.
Parents must be fined and kids punished for a long time – if this gets out of hand by our own kids what is going to happen when the illegals start behaving badly.
I believe that if they behaved like that on the IOM, they would be punished much more severely, so why not here?
I don’t think anyone is qualified to comment unless they have smashed a window at 4am.
Technically, yes. But I was trying to get to a patient of unknown status at the time, does that count?
Make the parents pay the entire damage repair bill .. even if they’re on benefits. Perhaps paying a rather large bill over many years might deter others?