Vandalism is continuing to be a major headache for Estevan and area residents.
Vandals recently struck at Rafferty Dam where a group of culprits used a vehicle to pull the dock at the marina out of the water causing significant damage in the process.
A member of the Rafferty Dam Marina Committee, who wished to remain anonymous, said the dock was installed earlier this year but had been in the water for roughly two weeks before it was pulled out.
"Due to the high water this year, we had to get a new dock put in so people who are handicapped and disabled can use it," said the committee member. "We finally got it in and one night somebody hooked on to it, ripped it out of the water and dragged it into the parking lot."
The committee member indicated that vandalism has been an ongoing concern at Rafferty for years. However, he admitted this latest incident has been especially frustrating for all involved.
"I bought the dock (on behalf of) the Rafferty Marina in Regina. Supreme Oilfield drove up and got it for us which was good of them and there was a group that came out one Sunday and put it together and put it in the water and then someone comes along rips it out.
"This dock was $5,000. It is not in super good shape, we straightened it the best we could but it's not new like it was. It's supposed to last a lifetime and they don't warranty abuse. Two of the legs broke off but they managed to get it back together so they could use it."
Although they are frustrated by the recent vandalism, the committee plans to continue with its work. They are currently raising money for a new dock that would allow people in a wheelchair the opportunity to fish off the dock.
"People could go in with a wheelchair and sit out on the dock and fish," said the committee member. "If you're confined to a wheelchair and you don't have a boat, you're done. That's one of the biggest things we are trying to do. There were people who quit fishing out there because there were floating docks."
The committee has approached the RCMP about the damage and anyone with information is asked to contact the Estevan detachment or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
"We need more people to get online with this or otherwise they are going to smash and wreck everything we put in there."
