A MAN went on a rampage of destruction through Weymouth town centre causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

He started the trail of destruction smashing shop windows in School Street, before moving on to St Thomas Street, St Mary’s Street and St Albans Street.

Businesses had their shop windows smashed at random with some remaining unscathed and others suffering huge damage.

Dorset Police were called at 5.26am and sent officers and dog handlers to the scene.

The first business hit was Loose Moose Catering on School Street.

One of the shop’s windows was caved in and glass was scattering around the area.

Manager Paul Ryan said that the damage was going to cost them £250 to put right.

He said: “I got a call from Dorset Police at 6.30pm. They were very polite and helpful.

“It’s disappointing. We all work hard to make a success of the business and people come round who have no regard to the consequences of their actions. It makes life harder every day for businesses.

“We’re insured but will still have to pay the excess of £250. It’s not nice and it’s not great for the people walking by with the glass.”

He added that it looked like the man had kicked the window in. He said: “We heard that they caught him on CCTV.”

On St Thomas Street Mortimer the Baker was boarding up one of its windows.

Bakery worker Gemma Macleish said that she got straight down to the shop when she heard about what had happened. She said: “I’m not impressed with the person that did it. At the end of the day it’s money we’re going to have to fork out for something stupidly done.”

Staff at Weird Fish on St Mary’s Street were greeted by glass all over their floor and a round smashed hole in their front door.

Supervisor Michelle Acton said: “I think the guys an idiot. We’re not going to be able to open until its sorted for the customers coming in. We’ll lose trade that way.”

She added: “Our windows always seem to be put through. It’s happened three or four times since we have been open.”

A couple of doors down the road staff at Shoe Zone had found it difficult to get into the building as the glass had smashed so badly it had popped out of the door frame.

Supervisor Katherine Harvey said: “We couldn’t open the doors because the glass was falling down, it had popped out of the door. It’s bad. It’s not nice coming into it this morning.”

Other businesses hit included Mann Countrywide Estate Agents, Ye Olde Sally Lunne Bakery, Boots, Audio Visual Solutions and Marlboro Restaurant.

A 33-year-old man was arrested in St Mary’s St and is being questioned by police.