Police in Wallingford admit they do not have enough officers to combat a recent spate of vandalis in the area.

Riverside Park leisure complex by Wallingford Bridge has been targeted over the last two weekends. Fencing was ripped out over the Bank Holiday, causing up to £1,500 worth of damage. In the latest vandalism, broken bottles were found in the children's paddling pool and a hole was smashed in the door of the reception kiosk.

It comes after vandals caused £3,000 damage to the town council's pavilion in Bullcroft Park. Flower beds and tubs in neighbouring Crowmarsh are also a regular target.

Soll Leisure managing director Stuart Henshaw said the paddling pool was frequently drained and swept of broken glass at great inconvenience to families wanting to use the facilities.

He called for higher-profile policing, but said he might have to employ a private security firm to get results. The local police chief, Insp Chris Parker, said extra patrols would only be possible if overtime pay was authorised or if other areas were extremely quiet.

He said: "Police resources are very stretched. The sheer size of the sector we have to cover -- 105 square miles -- makes our task hard.

"Trying to be in the right place at the right time is difficult."