Probe after yobs target town shops and vehicles

Mindless vandals went on a late night wrecking spree smashing windows, damaging vehicles and breaking into businesses in Market Drayton.

The culprits left a trail of destruction following the incident between 1am and 2am yesterday and police are anxious to track down those responsible.

Sergeant Tony Merrick said it was believed a group of three or four youths were responsible for the damage.

He added: "Widespread criminal damage has been caused to a number of properties and cars. We are anxious for any information which might help us detect the offenders."

The culprits were caught on CCTV attempting to break into the One Stop shop in Shrewsbury Road at about 1am. Police said two cars parked in Victoria Road had wing mirrors smashed and then at 1.34am the Netto store in Stafford Street was targeted. Entry was gained by breaking a window and boxes of Sol Mexican lager were stolen.

Sergeant Merrick said some of the bottles had been drunk and left mainly in the Love Lane alleyway between Walkmill Road and the Mount. Three premises had windows damaged, including Sewing Box in Queen Street, James and Steele accountants in St Mary's Place and a house backing onto Love Lane.

A spokesman for James and Steele said it had to replace two windows at a cost of £350, while Maria Gilbert, boss at Sewing Box, said she was expecting a £100 repair bill.

Sergeant Merrick added: "Inquiries into all these incidents are continuing and any information which might assist should be forwarded to Market Drayton police station on 0300 3333000."