Police today condemned the “wanton vandalism” which they claim has descended “like a blight” on a Mid Wales town.

In the last week, nine separate attacks have been carried out in Knighton – and in the latest incident vandals smashed a church window. Cars have also been targeted.

Constable Bill Cowan, of Dyfed-Powys Police, is now urging people living in the town to join the fight to combat the “scourge”.

He said: “In the past week alone Knighton has now suffered a total of nine offences of this nature.

“It is a shame that such a blight has descended upon Knighton in recent weeks as apart from this scourge of vandalism and anti-social behaviour the town is a relatively crime free zone and a pleasant place to live.

“The drive against anti-social behaviour can only be won if everyone accepts responsibility for tackling it.

“If you see something happening that you consider to be unacceptable then you are in effect condoning it if you take no action.”

He said Knighton Baptist Chapel was targeted on Thursday.

Constable Cowan said: “Between 3pm on Thursday and the following morning, one of the windows to the Baptist Chapel that faces on to Russell Street in Knighton was smashed.

“This is not the first time that this particular window has been damaged, the last time being just after midnight on February 14.

“On that occasion a youth was dealt with for the offence.”

Constable Cowan added: “There has now been a spate of wanton vandalism in and around the Knighton town area over recent months involving buildings and other property.”

A number of cars have also been vandalised in the town in the last week.

He said: “In the early hours of Sunday, yet another car parked and unattended in Knighton has been vandalised.”

The car parked in Ffrydd Road had its front nearside mirror smashed. Prior to that two buildings, three vehicles and a bus shelter were hit in a wrecking spree.

Windows were smashed, eggs thrown at cars, wipers ripped off vehicles and electrical items stolen.

Constable Cowan can be contacted on 0845 3302000.

By Andrew Morris