A vandal is under fire for causing damage to a store and then being captured on CCTV blowing kisses to a young woman. The individual, dressed in green tracksuit bottoms and a black coat, was seen strolling through the town center with a woman while carrying a black handbag. During the incident in Barnstaple, North Devon, the vandal was recorded pulling signs off the shop front, throwing them across the street, and creating a chaotic scene with papers flying everywhere.
The incident took place around 11:45 pm on Saturday, October 11th, prompting Claire Weston, the shop owner, to express frustration at the lack of accountability for such actions in the town. Local residents also voiced their anger, with one calling the vandal an entitled troublemaker in need of discipline. Another remarked on the individual’s behavior, labeling it as pathetic, while a third simply described it as foolish.
In a separate event the day before, a serious assault occurred in Barnstaple, with police appealing for witnesses following a disturbance involving a group of young individuals. The victim, a man in his early 20s, was attacked by the group, resulting in injuries including fractured ribs and a punctured lung. Devon and Cornwall Police are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward.
Statistics from Police.UK show that in August, 210 crimes were reported in the Barnstaple Central Town area, including shoplifting, violent offenses, anti-social behavior, and other crimes. This marks an increase compared to the same period in 2024 when 147 crimes were reported. The data indicates a significant rise in crime activity in the town center compared to previous years, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and law enforcement efforts. Barnstaple, located near popular coastal destinations like Saunton and Croyde, remains a hub for both residents and tourists despite these recent incidents.