TEENAGERS are putting themselves at risk by running – and even roller-skating – across beach hut roofs in Dovercourt.

Police have launched an investigation after several huts, opposite Phoenix Pavilion, were damaged.

Betty Holloway, secretary of Dovercourt Beach Hut Association, said she had warned teenagers about the dangers, but had been ignored.

She said: “It’s a silly thing to do because some of the roofs are vulnerable.

“If the teenagers fall through they could break a limb.

“I caught one roller-skating on the top of hut.

“I told him there was a skate park nearby. But he just shrugged and said there was nothing to do in Dovercourt.”

Association members patrol the huts regularly. But Mrs Holloway said they were unable to prevent vandalism entirely and owners had “resigned” themselves to the situation.

She said: “What can you do if the incidents are happening at three in the morning? We have patrols but they can’t be there 24/7.

“Hut owners are great at repairing the damage, but they shouldn’t have to do it. It’s just not on.” Vandals have hit the huts before. Several went up in flames in 2009 after arsonists struck. Another hut was damaged in 2010 after, it is thought, a homeless person broke into it.

The latest damage, costing £50, is thought to have happened during the last month Any information to PC Stacy Williams, at Harwich police station, on 0300 3334444 or rimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.