THIEVES who wrecked parking meters have cost an authority nearly £20,000 since September 2003.

It is believed a professional gang used oxyacetylene torches to steal £2,000 from meters across North Dorset around Christmas last year.

And district officers estimate a further £18,000 has been lost in revenue because the machines were so badly damaged and could not be easily repaired.

Five meters were out of order for up to 17 weeks following attacks in Blandford in the car park behind the Corn Exchange, at Chantry Fields in Gillingham and at Sturminster Newton over the Christmas period.

North District Dorset Council general manager Joyce Guest said discussions had been held with police to look at security issues in the future.

Prolific offenders were being targeted as a way of reducing vandalism and theft, she said.

"We're looking at increasing collections and looking at CCTV in Gillingham in partnership with Waitrose and Gillingham Town Council."

Customer facilities portfolio holder Cllr Graham Carr-Jones said: "We're looking at getting more robust meters but we're not ever going to stop an oxyacetylene torch or an angle-grinder.

"If people are determined enough they will steal anything and that loss obviously has an effect on our revenue - we need that revenue to generate those services."

First published: October 20