Vandals wrenching a tap from a sink in a public lavatory would normally be considered as an unfortunate sign of our times. The exception is when the crime takes place on the Hebridean island of Coll, which has just 220 inhabitants and has been crime-free for many years. The act of wanton damage to the sink meant the local policeman had to be called in from the nearby island of Tiree, although his urgent journey to the crime scene took two days as he had to wait for the ferry. The sink damage forced the closure of the lavatories for nine days. Islanders found it difficult to recall the last time a crime had been reported on Coll. Crime is not a feature of life here. I have lived here for seven years and my husband grew up here and we cant remember when the last crime was, said Mrs Seonaid Maclean-Bristol. PC StephenTanner came on the ferry and has made some inquiries. He also managed to attend the community council meeting, which went on for three hours, before getting the ferry back the next day. More than two weeks after the incident, the crime has yet to be solved. A spokesman from Strathclyde Police said We can confirm that we have received a report of damage to the toilets and are investigating the matter. We would appeal for any witnesses, or anybody who has any information, to contact us.