Shop owners are having to shell out for costly repairs after their store windows were smashed during an aimless vandalism attack.

Although a worker at one of the retailers targeted said it wasn’t a “personal attack”, they believe the incident - which happened last week - was the act of one person.

They added that it has been the latest in a series of similar incidents that have been carried out over the last three years.

Norwich Evening News: St Martins was one of a number of shops targetedSt Martins was one of a number of shops targeted (Image: William Warnes)

On this occasion, shops including Sense, Poundland, Betfred and St Martins were targeted.

"Unfortunately our window at the Donation Station was vandalised, among others along Magdalen Street,” said Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St Martins.

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"The police were contacted and we understand that a person has been apprehended.

Norwich Evening News: Dr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St MartinsDr Jan Sheldon, chief executive of St Martins (Image: St Martins)

"This isn’t a personal attack on St Martins or any of the other businesses in the area, but it is frustrating and costly to repair."

Major retailer Poundland and the currently vacant former BeActive site were also hit during the attack.

Earlier this year, the Handmade Gifts and Gallery shop in Anglia Square saw its front door smashed in.

Norwich Evening News: Betfred was also attackedBetfred was also attacked (Image: William Warnes)

And other businesses in the area have said the past three years' worth of incidents have cost them significant amounts of money for repairs.

"It is the same person every time," said a shop owner, who has asked to remain anonymous.

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"It happens in daylight when we're open and at night when we're closed.

Norwich Evening News: A smashed shopfront at the former BeActive unitA smashed shopfront at the former BeActive unit (Image: William Warnes)

"We can't put shutters up because that could cost anything in excess of £10,000.

"There really isn't anything we can do other than pay for repairs every time."

A spokesman for Norfolk police said a woman in her 20s has been charged with criminal damage.

"It follows reports of criminal damage to three shops in Sovereign Way, Norwich, in the early hours of the morning of Wednesday 6 September 2023," they added.

"Georgina Alderson, aged 26 and of no fixed address has been charged with three counts of criminal damage to property.

"She appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on 7 September 2023 and was remanded into custody until her next appearance at Norwich Crown Court on 5 October 2023."

Norwich Evening News: The aftermath of the attack on the Poundland in Anglia SquareThe aftermath of the attack on the Poundland in Anglia Square (Image: William Warnes)