VANDALISM and break-ins at two former major town centre stores have been described as 'disgusting'.

Youths were said to have broken into the former WH Smith in Barrow's Portland Walk and smashed through the entrance of the former Debenhams.

The vandals were also thought to have caused a flood having smashed their way into the store.

Pictures also showed toilet paper left on the street outside the shops.

Police are investigating the damage and have urged witnesses to come forward.

After the incident, the manager of Barrow's Business Improvement District, Colin Garnett, hit out at the vandals.

He said: "I think it's disgusting. These people are targeting their own communities.

"We're having to put up with mindless vandalism. It's appalling.

"We need to stop youths causing havoc in the town centre."

He said those damaging empty town centre units were affecting the chances of attracting large businesses to fill the spaces left by the departure of the national retailers.

"It's not easy to fill a building the size of Debenhams," he said.

"The problem we've got now is how do we attract inward investment in the town. They make it harder for the town to attract inward investment and new businesses by doing this.

"It's really sad to see these young people have got nothing better to do."

A police spokesman said: "Police were contacted to the report of criminal damage at stores on Portland Walk, Barrow.

"Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 133 of May 25 2022. 

"You can also phone on 101.

"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Following other similar incidents at Portland Walk, police said they were cracking down on anti-social behaviour and increasing patrols in the area.

Barrow inspector Jo Smith said: “We share the community’s concern, frustration and disappointment at the recent increase in anti-social behaviour.

“We have implemented a number of positive actions with businesses and our partner agencies such as premises bans those identified as involved.

“These actions have already seen positive results. We will be looking with partners at further actions to take and increasing patrols in the area.

“If you suspect your child is involved in this behaviour, then please speak with them and help us prevent further incidents.

“Criminal or anti-social behaviour can lead to young people being arrested and prosecuted, resulting in convictions which can have a serious detrimental impact on their future life choices."