SHOP the vandals! That's the plea from community chiefs in Chandler's Ford, an area which has become the target for vandals.

As the vandalism threatens to escalate the Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee is urging residents to report incidents to the police.

The call has been led by the council's area co-ordinator Andy Milner.

He said: "We hope people witnessing acts of vandalism or antisocial behaviour will help by reporting incidents."

He made his plea after an increase in damage over the last few weeks.

Mr Milner said: "The trampoline at Hiltingbury play area was destroyed by fire and the area has been grassed over for safety reasons.

"There has also been further damage to the Scout hut at Hiltingbury Recreation Ground."

Vandals have also targeted the underpass beneath the M3 between Scantabout and Boyatt Wood.

They struck just weeks after the subway was reopened following a major makeover involving artwork by local schoolchildren.

They ruined parts of the walls by stripping areas of new paintwork and damaging some of the art panels.

Mr Milner said: "The incident caused considerable distress to the young people at Thornden and Scantabout schools who had been involved in the project."

He said that vandalism increased during good weather and the summer holidays.

Meanwhile, Mr Milner is urging residents to reports incident of vandalism to the police by ringing 0845 045 4545.