| Thugs broke into the Broughty Ferry attraction on Wednesday night and again last night, using heavy rocks to smash windows in both greenhouses. In total, 30 panes of glass were broken.
Damage was not limited to the greenhouses, with vandals smashing plants and fruit growing inside and also causing considerable damage to the nearby conservatory.
Though the damage is still being assessed, early estimates are that it will cost over £1000.
“There is extensive damage to both glasshouses as well as to the conservatory and it looks as though they have used rocks and plants from inside the greenhouses to smash the glass,” said charge-hand gardener Julie Lorimer.
“It’s just so mindless. The garden has been attacked once before, about two and a half years ago, but certainly not to this extent.”
It is thought the cost of refitting the glass would be around £1200 but Miss Lorimer said the bill could be much higher if security had to be tightened.
She said, “How far do we go in terms of increasing security to stop something like this from happening again? Do we have to pay to increase the height of the fences or get surveillance equipment installed?”
The garden offers horticultural advice to the public and delivers talks to various groups.
Practical demonstrations are also held on Wednesday afternoons from March to October.
Dundee City Council issued a statement today condemning the attack.
Leisure, arts and communities convener Councillor Richard McCready said, “This is absolutely mindless destruction of a facility enjoyed by many people throughout the city.
“Acts of vandalism like this mean council taxpayers’ money, which could be better used, has to pay for this damage.
“I would encourage anyone who has any information to contact Tayside Police.”
Meanwhile a police spokeswoman appealed for anyone with information to call them on 223 200 or to phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. |
