Life saving rings have been stolen from the banks of the River Freshney in Grimsby
The life saving buoys have been repeatedly vandalised in Grimsby town centre
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
Life saving rings have been stolen from the banks of the River Freshney in Grimsby leading one councillor to describe those responsible as "mindless idiots".
Two of the rings have recently been taken two were damaged and another thrown into the water.
Councillor for the environment Stewart Swinburn said their actions were putting lives at risk whilst damage to the rings was becoming an almost daily occurrence.
The orange life rings, known as life buoys, were installed along the river Freshney at Riverhead Square and on the newly unveiled Garth Lane development.
Since then, vandals have pulled them out of their casings, stolen some, vandalised others and thrown others in the water.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment, energy and transport, described the latest scene:
“On Tuesday our officers inspected the scene following reports, and found that two buoys were missing, two had been vandalised, and another was in the water and had to be retrieved. It is becoming a daily occurrence.
“What these mindless idiots don’t understand is that this all costs money, takes up valuable time, and can put lives at risk.
“Those buoys are in place in case someone falls into the water and needs assistance. If the buoys are damaged or missing when they’re needed most, lives could be lost.”