VICIOUS vandals have smashed windows with catapults, daubed business premises with graffiti and shot shop signs with air rifles in a spate of offences in Edenbridge.

Worst-hit is air conditioning producers Sontay, of Four Elms Road. The company has been targeted by vandals regularly during the last year.

The most recent problems were discovered on Monday when workers arrived at the office to find four damaged windows and a broken door totalling around £3,000-worth of damage.

The company's sales support manager Stacey Gallagher said the damage was "frustrating" and added: "The windows have still not been replaced from the last time this happened about a month ago."

She said it was being targeted every one or two months and added that a derelict house next to them also suffers, with its windows getting smashed.

The company has put in CCTV but this has not led to any convictions.

Miss Gallagher added: "We spent enough money on it and do not get anything out of it."

She said they don't claim on insurance as it puts up the premium.

Kent Police are investigating the most recent incident and said they would be examining the CCTV.

"We are working with the company to advise them on crime reduction measures, and will be monitoring the area at key times.

"I would ask anyone with information to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111," said neighbourhood Pc Chris Clancy.

Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Peter Bolton explained there had "traditionally" been a problem with graffiti and other vandalism in the town.

"We have been having problems with a few windows being broken," he said, "I know Haywards Restaurant (in High Street) had a window smashed a few weeks ago.

"Earlier this year at the White Horse Inn (in High Street), something was catapulted through one of the windows, although thankfully it missed the diners."

He added things had been worse in the past and attributed the improvements to the improved response of the police.

Ryan Smith owner of Ryan's Table, said although he had not suffered from vandalism, Your Dream Bathroom, just a few doors down from his High Street cafè, had its sign shot at with an air rifle earlier this year before it closed.