A HAMPSHIRE church is stepping up security after being targeted by vandals.

Members of St Andrew’s Church in North Baddesley are now going to install CCTV following the vandalism attacks.

In the latest incident vandals smashed a wooden arbour in its grounds.

The arch with a seat beneath was found in pieces.

Church volunteer David Smith, who installed the arbour, which was used for wedding photos, was left angry and upset by the attack – the second this month.

“This is the second time it has been damaged in a week. Last time I was able to repair it but this time it has been completely destroyed,” said Mr Smith.

The £380 garden feature was erected two years ago and paid for by donations from the congregation.

During that time it has been vandalised four times.

“It’s almost as if we are being targeted,” said Mr Smith. “Why do people do this kind of thing? Maybe there are people who are just evil.”

Mr Smith said that in the latest attack vandals had also ripped a wrought iron crucifix from a wall and jammed it into the handles of the church door.

He said that the Roman C a t h o l i c Church, in F l e m i n g Avenue, was now investing in CCTV cameras which were likely to be in place within a fortnight.

Mr Smith said the cost of replacing the arbour would be around £400 and the CCTV would be more than £1,000.