Deputy John Gollop said Guernsey must do more to stop the growing number of incidents of vandalism.

He said the prospect of having to apologise and repair the damage caused would be a good deterrent.

"I think if young people knew that they would have to apologise to their victims, and also do community service, for many jack-the-lad young characters that would be a huge disincentive," he said.

Mr Gollop said he believed the community also had a part to play by keeping a closer eye on neighbourhoods.

He said much of the vandalism on the island was connected to alcohol.

The call came as a widower discovered that a memorial to his wife had been ripped apart by vandals.

Bill Worrall's wife Margaret, died of cancer nearly two years ago and Mr Worrall, who came to the island for many years on holiday, erected a memorial seat to her in L'Ancresse.

Mr Worral, 73, from Cheshire, was dismayed this month when he visited the site and discovered the damage.