A vandal has been caught on camera damaging a shop in North Devon before turning to blow a kiss to a woman – and locals have shared their shock at the boldness
A vandal has been slammed for damaging a shop before being caught on CCTV blowing kisses to a young woman.
The young man, who was spotted on video wearing green tracksuit bottoms and a black coat, could be seen walking through the town centre with a woman. He also appeared to be carrying a black handbag and had a grey hood poking out the top of his jacket.
In the clip, the lad is shown grabbing signs from the front of the shop and flinging them across the street. At one point, he is seen struggling to pull a sign off before yanking it off the wall, smiling, and blowing a kiss to the woman. He then chucks the sign away and several papers come loose, flying all over the street.
The incident occurred in Barnstaple, North Devon at about 11.45pm on Saturday October 11th. Claire Weston, the owner of the vandalised premises, said: “There are lads just roaming our town doing whatever they want. It’s disgusting. Where are the consequences?”
Locals were also left furious with the situation, with one saying: “He’s an entitled little ***** who needs some manners and discipline.” Another said: “What a sad little life”, and a third added: “What a prat”.
Devon and Cornwall Police has been approached for comment.
Just one day before, a serious assault was reported to have taken place in the town – leading the police to share an appeal for witnesses. Police confirmed that officers were called to Queen Street at about 1.05am on Saturday October 11th following a report of a disturbance involving 12-14 young people.
Devon and Cornwall Police wrote: “On officers’ arrival, one victim – in his early 20s – was located sat outside Barum Takeaway. He described being set upon by a group, assaulted and kicked to the head while on the floor.”
The victim was taken to hospital, where he was found to have suffered fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
“Anybody who witnessed the incident or who has relevant information or footage is asked to contact 101 or visit our website quoting 50250263267,” police urged.
In the Barnstaple Central Town area, 210 crimes were reported over the month of August, Police.UK data reveals. This includes 61 instances of shoplifting, 57 violence and sexual offences, 36 instances of anti-social behaviour, and 56 cases of ‘other crime’.
This is up from the same month in 2024, when 147 crimes were reported. According to the data, in August 2023 there were only 72 crimes reported in Barnstaple town centre. Barnstaple, a river-port town, is about an hour away by train from Exeter and is located near the coastal destinations of Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe.