The Environment Department said thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money is being spent every year on repairing damage caused to States property.

In recent months the children's play area in Saumarez Park has been targeted, with the bill coming to �13,000 so far this year.

Deputy Janine Sauvage has described the vandalism as "senseless".

She said: "It is costing taxpayers a lot of money to put things right, and it's really so silly and so senseless because that money could be used for other purposes.

"I would ask the public to be vigilant, and if they do see an act of vandalism taking place then they should inform the police immediately."