Vandals in tyre slashing spree

Thousands of pounds of damage was caused when vandals went on the rampage and slashed tyres on 19 cars in a north Shropshire town, police said today.

Police in Market Drayton are probing the wrecking spree, in which some vehicles had all four tyres cut.

One of the victims reportedly had to abandon plans to drive to the airport after finding all his tyres slashed.

A total of 19 cars were targeted and police want to hear from anyone who can help identify those responsible for the "pointless vandalism" which took place on Saturday.

The damaged vehicles were parked in the Buntingsdale Road, School Lane, Bentleys Road, Ellesmere Gardens and Shrewsbury Road areas.

Roger Hughes, Shropshire Council member for Market Drayton West, today branded the behaviour as "total destructiveness".

He said: "It's absolutely appalling and how people continue to get away with this without anyone noticing beggars belief.

"It's horrendous for the people affected and I hope the culprits are not merely cautioned if they are caught.

"I think it's total destructiveness and shows some people really have no regard for their fellow citizens.

"I heard one victim was planning to go the airport to start a holiday but couldn't go because their tyres were cut."

Constable David Timmins, investigating officer, said: "We believe the offences happened between midnight on Friday and 7am Saturday.

"All the damage involved slashed tyres, with some vehicles having one tyre cut, others two tyres and in one case all four tyres slashed.

"It resulted in damage amounting to thousands of pounds, pointless vandalism that ruined a lot of people's weekends.

"At least two of the vehicles were less than six months old and owners are having to replace their tyres."

He added: "If anybody spotted someone acting suspiciously near parked vehicles in the early hours of Saturday, please call me at Market Drayton police station on 03003 333000."

By Tom Johannsen