Vandals target offices of Tucson Technology in Wye
Published: 19:27, 04 March 2023
Updated: 10:28, 06 March 2023
A business owner was left shocked after vandals targeted his office and smashed four windows.
The damage was caused to software firm Tucson Technology in Wye, near Ashford, with large piles of glass left covering the floor.
Owner Mark Nicholls was in France when his colleagues contacted him on Wednesday morning after discovering the vandalism.
Mr Nicholls, 63, said: "I was in the office on Tuesday evening and there was no problem, my neighbours left at 6pm - there was nothing.
"I got a call on Wednesday morning saying the business had been vandalised.
"I was in France and had travelled there only on Tuesday night. I had to come back on Wednesday to sort it out.
"I've lived in Wye since the early 90s and this is just not the sort of thing you expect to see in the area - it is pretty sad."
The site in Briar Close had both large windows and two smaller windows smashed.
"I have no idea why they targeted us," Mr Nicholls added.
He says this is not the first time the windows of his property have been damaged.
"We had one of the large windows smashed a couple of months ago in what I believe was just accidental damage," he said.
"But what happened on Tuesday night was definitely not accidental damage.
"The building is alarmed so it would have gone off had they gone inside. They just smashed the windows so it was just vandalism.
"I have heard there have been a number of incidents locally of mindless vandalism such as smashing of windows and cars. I've also heard there have been problems at the station."
Mr Nicholls would like to see improved security at the industrial estate, inlcuding more CCTV.
He reported the incident to police online and has a meeting scheduled with the owners of the industrial estate to discuss security as well as repairs.
A spokesperson for police said: "Between 6pm on Tuesday, February 28 and 8.30am on Wednesday March, 1, four windows of a business premises in Bramble Lane, Wye were damaged.
"Anyone with information is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/40640/23. You can also contact crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on their website."
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Chantal Weller