COUNCIL bosses branded attempts by thieves to break into a Stourbridge car park pay and display machine this week as completely senseless.

The culprits only suceeded in damaging the machine in Church Street, which will cost around £1,000 to replace.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley Council's cabinet member for transportation, admitted: "It was a completely mindless act. They didn't get any money and all they managed to do was damage the pedestal which contained the money.

"The machines are frequently emptied and it isn't easy to get into them. The only people who suffer are Dudley taxpayers.

"Fortunately we didn't lose any income because there is another ticket machine there which people can use."

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.