But pictures of the vandals have been captured on the cameras they tried to destroy.

The community of Tanterton won government funding to put up four cameras at a notorious troublespot near the row of shops and community centre in Village Green Lane.

Around 70 incidents, including anti-social behaviour and theft, have been reported in the past 12 months.

Police hoped putting the hotspot under the watchful eye of the community and police would help residents feel safer.

The new cameras were installed on Friday but, by Monday, vandals had cut the wires and scratched the casing of a dome camera at the entrance to the community centre.

They have been repaired but taken down to be relocated out of the reach of vandals.

PC Sonja Prescott, community beat manager for Tanterton, said: "These cameras cost an awful lot of money and it took a lot of time and effort by many different people to get them.

"They were installed as a means of protecting and reassuring the Tanterton community.

"It is heartbreaking for everybody concerned to know that mindless vandals have seen fit to damage them within a matter of hours.

"These people obviously have no respect for the area or the people who live here.

"I'm sure the people of Tanterton know who have committed this offence and I hope they come forward and let us know.

"Either that, or I hope the people who are responsible have the decency to own up to their behaviour."

The scheme was funded by government money given to IMPACT neighbourhood management board.

A member of staff at the nearby Nisa supermarket, who asked not to be named, said: "It is very disappointing to hear about this vandalism.

"It is a shame for the businesses and the public and especially the residents.

"They were put up to help people feel safe but now they definitely won't feel safe."

Anyone with information should call police on 01772 203203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.