Vandals are being blamed for a digger being driven into the sea on the Kapiti Coast.

A local called police when they saw the vehicle in the water off Paraparaumu Beach this morning.

It's being winched out with a bulldozer this afternoon.

The digger had been used to carry out protection work on the beach after recent damage from stormy seas.

Kapiti Coast District Council says contractor Mills Albert was able to jump in to carry out the work at short notice.

The Council's group manager of infrastructure services Sean Mallon says it's very disappointing to see their equipment vandalised and public safety put at risk in such an irresponsible way.