MINDLESS vandals have damaged machines installed as part of a game which has seen Colchester transformed into a giant treasure hunt.

As part of the Beat the Street game, beat boxes have been dotted across Colchester in a bid to help people explore their home town by being more active.

The scheme was launched on Wednesday but within hours, vandals had already damaged a small number of the boxes, including in parts of Mile End, the town centre and Highwoods.

Bosses at Colchester Council - which is behind the project, alongside Intelligent Health and Livewell Colchester - have appealed for information on the culprits.

A council spokesman said: “We are sad to hear there have been a few isolated incidents of vandalism of Beat Boxes.

“However, the vast majority of players and residents in Colchester have been hugely supportive of the scheme, with more than 5,700 adults and children enjoying the game within the first few days alone.”

He added: “Fortunately most incidents of vandalism have been minor, but we encourage players to report any information they might have on the cause of vandalism, or suggestions on how to reduce it, by contacting team.colchester@beatthestreet.me.”

Players have also voiced their concerns.

Sally Lawlor, who was tapping a box in Mile End with her daughter, said: “I just don’t see why people would do it?

“It’s for children to enjoy. I hope they realise their just ruining the fun for other people.”

Fellow mum Sophie Maxwell added: “Thankfully the one around the corner from us seems fine but we’ve come across a few in the town centre which look really bad.

“I’ve seen cigarette burns on one - maybe someone thought that’s what it was for.

“It’s a real shame but we’re really enjoying getting around the town.”

The game challenges people to tap as many boxes across Colchester as possible in bid to rack up the highest number of points in order to win prizes.

It lasts for seven weeks.