Bus shelters in Broughty Ferry have been vandalised, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, just weeks after they were last repaired.
At least five shelters – located along the number 5 and number 10 bus routes – were destroyed over the Christmas period.
They had only recently been repaired following a similar attack in November.
Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan says the “frequent and widespread” acts of vandalism in the area have “gotten out of hand”.
He is calling on Dundee City Council and Police Scotland to do more to tackle the issue.
Mr Duncan said: “My question to the police is – what is being done about it?
“The shelters are no sooner repaired before they are panned in again. It is costing a fortune.
“I’m quite angry that it is so widespread and it is so frequent.
“It’s not a new problem which is why I’m double annoyed.
“The preparators seem to proceed on the basis that they are untouchable.”
It follows a spate of similar incidents, including the destruction of street signs in the city centre and damage to life-saving equipment along the River Tay.
Broughty Ferry bus stops vandalised again
Mr Duncan said the council must consider a more “robust alternative” to the bus shelters in order to prevent further damage.
He said: “What is the point in replacing the shelters with a like-for-like basis – surely a more robust alternative needs to be looked at?
“No one can guarantee they won’t be touched again.
“Replacing them on a like-for-like basis is a futile exercise for an already cash-strapped council.”
Three shelters on Strathmore Street and two on Nursery Road were targeted in the most recent vandalism – although it is understood a further two in the area were also damaged.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We are aware of these incidents, which will have a direct impact on the comfort of local people during poor weather.
“Vandalism such as this also creates an unnecessary extra cost to what are already very tight budgets.”
Police urges residents to report incidents
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Vandalism, in whatever form it takes, should not be tolerated by individuals or local communities.
“It is something Police Scotland takes very seriously and we continue to encourage residents to report any incidents or concerns to police as soon as possible.
“Where we trace someone involved in or responsible for an act of vandalism, we will take the appropriate action.”
Conversation