The incident took place at the Port of Newhaven in East Sussex, on June 24.
West Beach is a privately owned sandy beach and has been closed to the public since 2008.
CCTV on the beach was shot by an air rifle (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
Sussex Police have confirmed that a 44-year-old man from Bromley has been detained in connection with the criminal damage.
He remains in custody as enquiries continue.
The incident follows a series of break-ins at the beach.
Beach signage (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
A camera belonging to the National Coastwatch Institute overlooking the site was destroyed in the same period.
In recent days, members of the public have been seen sunbathing and swimming at the beach despite its closure.
There have been ongoing calls from the community to bring the beach into public ownership.
CCTV on the beach was shot by an air rifle (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
Sussex Police are also investigating three reports of criminal damage after padlocks on the beach gates were damaged or broken.
A spokesman said: “While criminal damage is a matter for police investigation, trespassing on private land is generally a civil matter for the landowner.”
West Beach (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
The force said it is working with the port authority and the local council to provide crime prevention advice and help reduce the risk of further incidents.
West Beach has been closed to the public since 2008.
It is one of the only sandy ones in Sussex.
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