Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking the help of residents and motorists to help identify a man who was captured on CCTV causing damage worth tens of thousands of pounds to glass frontage at the Becontree Leisure Centre in Dagenham.

The incident, which was captured on CCTV took place between 3.30 and 4am on the morning of Monday 21 December.

I am appealing to residents and also motorists who may have been driving past at the time and witnessed this dastardly act, or to anyone who may recognise the suspect to please get in touch.

In a shocking video the male could be seen using what looked like a hammer to cause extensive damage to the glass surrounding the whole building – in total 39 large glass panes were damaged and will now have to be replaced.

Reacting to the unexplained act of vandalism, Council Leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “While we as a community are trying to fight Covid and keep people safe, this is not only irresponsible, it is also taking much needed resources which would have been better spent providing much needed services for our vulnerable residents, as we estimate the cost of repairing the windows is likely to be in the region of £130,000.

“I am appealing to residents and also motorists who may have been driving past at the time and witnessed this dastardly act, or to anyone who may recognise the suspect to please get in touch."

If you think you know this person or can help the police with their investigations, please call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

You can view the CCTV footage here.