CHILDREN as young as 10 have caused more than £7,000 of damage to this building in a reckless vandalism spree.

A group of youngsters aged between 10 and 14 are believed to have targeted the building, Hanimex House, on the Dorcan Industrial Estate.

They smashed several windows, leaving the owners, the London-based firm NRG Management, to foot the costly bill.

The building is currently on the market and agents Whitmarsh Preece Lockhart say they are finding it increasingly hard to defend the property from vandals.

They are planning to install high fences and replace the smashed windows, which have been boarded up.

Paul Whitmarsh said: "We have taken on all kinds of security measures.

"We have employed a security guard but even he has to call for back-up sometimes when he gets outnumbered by the kids."

PC John Brixey, community beat officer, who is keen to catch the culprits said: "Children are going down there and causing a great deal of damage.

"Someone must know the youngsters who are responsible for this. It is bringing the whole area down."

If you have any information relating to vandalism at Hanimex House, then Swindon police are urging you to call them on 01793 528111.

Estate's other victims of vandalism

It's not the first time a building on the Dorcan Industrial Estate has fallen prey to young vandals.

The former SEB building in Faraday Road had become a vandalism hotspot and police had begun labelling it a deathtrap.

Youngsters were using it as a makeshift playground risking their lives by playing among shattered glass and broken masonry left in the building.

They had also flung debris from the top of the building.

But demolition work began earlier in October after the Advertiser first highlighted the very obvious perils of the building.

PC Brixey said: "Without the Adver's intervention the matter would not have been resolved as quickly. You brought it to the notice of the public and spoke to the companies.

"Every time I carry out a patrol in the area I take a look at the building and each time it's been demolished a little bit more, which is great."