A speed camera has been damaged in a “reckless act of vandalism” that the local council said could have seriously endangered the public.
Police notified Plymouth City Council that the street lighting column on Victoria Road, St Budeaux, had been damaged early on Saturday.
Highways teams attended the scene, before the upper column and the speed enforcement camera was removed and the lower column made safe, the council said.
The camera, which had been lent to police free of charge by the supplier for a six-month trial, had been introduced to tackle speeding and improve safety.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed officers were investigating criminal damage to a street lighting column which occurred at about 00:10 GMT.
It was reported two men were seen causing damage and fled prior to officers arrived at the scene.
Investigations were ongoing and people with information have been urged to contact officers, the force said.
A council spokesperson said: “Victoria Road has seen a number of collisions in recent years, some involving serious and fatal injuries.
“Local residents have been pressing the council to introduce measures… to tackle speeding and improve safety.
“This was a reckless act of vandalism that seriously endangered the public, who were put at risk of injury either from the falling column and equipment or electrocution.
“It also places a burden on the local taxpayer, who will now have to bear the costs of replacing the lighting column.
“We will, of course, be supporting the police in their investigation and encourage the community to report any further suspicious activity.
“The lighting column will be replaced as soon as possible and the camera reinstalled once it has been recalibrated.”
