HEARTLESS vandals have caused distress to proud garden enthusiasts by pulling plants out and throwing them all over footpaths.

Keen to catch the culprits, Exmouth police say residents of both Littlemead and Rivermead lanes woke up last week to find a ‘deliberate and wanton act of vandalism to their gardens.’

A police spokesperson said: “This type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“The neighbourhood policing team would like to reiterate to all residents, that if they see or hear any suspicious activity taking place, they are to call the non emergency telephone number (08452 777444).”

He added that if any form of criminal damage is witnessed, people should call 999.