Dundee theatre volunteers have been left reeling after vandals targeted their building.
The vandals “risked death” to damage the heating systems on the roof of the Little Theatre in Coldside destruction that will cost the charity hundreds of pounds to repair.
The community group, who are “terrified” of someone being injured while climbing on their roof, will now be forced to repair the damage out of their own pocket.
Mark McGowan, a volunteer at the theatre, said: “When we went to put the heating on after this latest cold snap, we found it didn’t work.
“We checked the fuses, we checked everything, and when the engineer arrived he pointed up and said, ‘There’s your problem.’ The pipes on the outside of the building had been snapped clean off.”
Parts of the system were also scored and scuffed, indicating someone may have thrown stones or used it to clamber on to the roof.
Mr McGowan said: “It’s going to cost the charity as much as £500 to fix, and we are not a huge organisation.
“We are a charity, people buy tickets to our shows to be entertained, not to fix damage done by careless or spiteful kids.
“There’s the concern over the expense but there’s also the concern over safety.
“People running along the roof has been a big problem for a long time. We’ve had light fittings fall down on the inside before because of youths walking on the roof.
“It’s a four-storey drop on one side, right on to Victoria Road, and we’re terrified people are injured.
“I hope some parents of kids see this and are able to convince them not to do it.”
Councillor Jimmy Black said: “I have personally put a lot of work in to help the Little Theatre. I remember it was covered in graffiti and not very attractive at all.
“However, kids looking for adventure seem to want to climb on to it and they are risking death, because it’s a long way down.
“The damage may be intended or it may just be a mistake, but to cost the theatre money like this could put its existence at risk.”
A police spokesperson said: “Anyone who has information regarding suspicious activity or who wishes to report damage to property should contact Police Scotland on 101”.