This is the moment a pair of thugs chopped down CCTV cameras installed to deter criminals by using an petrol-powered saw.
The crooks caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the massive poles as they cut into two surveillance cameras.
In the first clip, they can be seen revving up their tool at the base of the pole holding the camera before brazenly starting to cut into it, as reported by Teesside Live.
After a couple of minutes going to work, the hooded assailants then try to pull the pole down. The process is repeated for the second camera.
The incidents happened at around 12:20am and 1:35am in Middlesborough.
Officers from Cleveland Police are now appealing for anyone with information regarding the two people shown in the footage to come forward as they may be able to assist with inquiries.
Chief Inspector Daryll Tomlinson said: “Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to the CCTV equipment which was put in place to prevent and detect crime.
“The poles holding up the cameras were cut down and one of the poles was left obstructing the road which is extremely dangerous. The CCTV cameras were also destroyed.
“This behaviour is completely barbaric and unacceptable. The cameras were put in place in a bid to keep the people living in Grove Hill safe and to monitor criminal activity ongoing in the area.
“We would urge anyone with information regarding the incidents or the people responsible to contact police so we convict them of their crimes.”
Grahame French, senior neighbourhood’s manager at Thirteen said: “The CCTV cameras are vital to our efforts to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Middlesbrough .
"They play a crucial role in helping our communities to be safer and to feel safer, so it’s important that they are in good working order.
“Thirteen has worked hard with the police and the local community on their installation as residents have told us that the cameras can help to deter crime and ASB, and help make the neighbourhoods better places to live.
"I’d encourage anyone with any information about this incident to come forward as soon as possible.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston slammed those responsible.
“These characters are an enemy of decent people and all of Middlesbrough ", he said.
“We need to catch them and we want to see the courts punish them.
“If anyone can help to identify these criminals then I would urge them to get in touch.”
