The sight of young men captured on CCTV ripping down hoardings in what seems to be a clear case of vandalism is quite astonishing and wholly unacceptable.

The individuals do not look remotely concerned that they are committing what must surely count as criminal damage in broad daylight and in full view of any passers-by.

There is nothing furtive about their actions and nothing hurried – quite the contrary.

They are brazenly, violently and methodically going about taking apart the boards. Indeed, there is even an unattractive swagger about them.

Their actions do not seem to have any discernable motive – there is no suggestion of theft, for example, which, while reprehensible, would at least be understandable.

Rather they appear engaged in mindless destruction simply for its own sake and whatever perverse satisfaction they can derive from it.

Such appalling behaviour must not be allowed to go unpunished for it sends out all the wrong signals to those responsible, those watching and the community as a whole.

The video footage, for instance, shows young and, therefore, impressionable children in the vicinity while this spree went on. What must they make of such scenes?

We only hope that the perpetrators are recognised and reported to the police, so justice can be done and an example can be made of them.