Residents angry after vandals scratch cars (From The Oxford Times)

Residents angry after vandals scratch cars

11:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Ben Wilkinson, Crime Reporter. Call me on (01865) 425427

Buy this photo » Maureen Stoker with her car that was deeply scratched in the attack

“MINDLESS” vandals have angered Littlemore residents after scratching more than 20 cars and vans.

Vehicles were hit by deep scratches to paintwork – some up to a metre long – during a series of attacks earlier this week.

The damage, which was discovered on Tuesday, was caused to vehicles parked in Orchard Way, Bodley Road, Herschel Crescent and Cowley Road.

And the words ‘Seahn’ and ‘Biggsy’ were scratched into two separate cars.

A Cowley Road victim, who asked not be named for fear of being targeted again, said her car was also vandalised two years ago.

She said: “They have just circled the block scratching everyone’s car. It looks like they have used a key.

“It is a lot of hassle because if I claim on my insurance then it will go up. It’s just mindless vandalism.”

Herschel Crescent resident Maureen Stoker, 59, said: “It is very annoying because you pay out for your car and you don’t expect people to come along and vandalise it. The neighbourhood doesn’t like it. People are getting cheesed off.

“It’s not very nice, especially when everybody makes an effort with their houses.

“It’s childish, irresponsible and it’s disrespectful.

“We have never had a lot of trouble here. It could be because its half term.”

An 86-year-old man, who also did not want to be named, said it would probably cost £400 to get the scratches on his two-year-old car repainted.

He said: “My neighbour’s has been done. They all have been done. This used to be a marvellous place to live.”

Elsie Coombs, 59, of Bodley Road, said she knew of two people who had been hit.

She said: “It’s concerning as it’s been quiet around here for quite a long time now.”

Police Community Support Officer Kevin Potter, of Cowley Police Station, said: “It was a mindless attack on residents’ vehicles causing thousands of pounds worth of damage which the owners are left having to pay. I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious.

“If anyone recognises the names scratched into the cars, please contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.