Mr. Genetzakis said up to 80 seats in the three theatres had been damaged with a repair and replacement bill of around $40,000.

He said that even seats that had been bolted own had been ripped up, some with such force that flooring had been damaged. In the Strand Theatre an estimated 40 cup holders had been vandalised and at a cost of $25 each this added another $1000 to the repair bill.

Mr. Genetzakis said it’s the same story after most school holidays when he’s left to repair damage. The damage also extends to the restaurant area with damage to seats.

He said the theatre, run as family business, has just so much money to spend on repairs and with running costs escalating all the time, the future of the theatre could be in doubt.

It could come to a situation where he closes the doors and leases out the premises as retail space.

One of the most frustrating aspects is that people see the vandalism taking place and only notify him or staff after its happened.

He added that young people have very limited things to do in the city and apart from the baths and the cinema there is little else.

It would be a tragedy to have to close and deny the good kids and older patrons the chance to enjoy the movies, but soon some tough decisions will have to be made, he said.

He is now considering expanding the theatre’s CCTV coverage to inside the theatres but at this stage the estimated cost of $10,000 is out of the question.