THREE streets in Cleethorpes have been targeted by mindless car vandals – leading police to urge vigilance among residents.
Nine vehicles have been damaged in four days in Brereton Avenue, Lovett Street and Barcroft Street.
The windows of all were smashed but nothing has been stolen and it does not appear that anyone tried to get into the vehicles.
Brereton Avenue resident Rob Quantrill woke to find the window of his work hire car shattered.
The 24-year-old said: "I was stunned. I thought I lived in a safe area and not have to worry as to whether my car will be as I left it the night before.
"I am frustrated by whoever has done this to myself and others in the area. Hopefully whoever did this will be found but this doesn't help the fact that several people will have to pay for replacement windows and possibly higher premiums because of this."
A five-inch long mark was left imprinted in the shattered glass, which Rob believes was the tool used for all the cars.
One Lovett Street resident has armed her house with CCTV to protect her husband's taxi and daughters' cars.
The 42-year-old would not give her full name for fear of reprisals and wanted to be known only as Tracey.
She claimed she has shared CCTV footage with police on several occassions – leading to the conviction of one man and the arrest of two youths.
Her neighbour is another victim in the latest spate after his silver car's window was smashed.
Tracey said: "Unfortunately we couldn't see anything because of the street lamp glare, but our neighbour came to ask us if anything had been picked up on camera. It is a shame we have to put up CCTV to protect our own property but it gives us peace of mind and makes us feel safer.
"Sadly, no matter where you live there is crime, it hasn't been too bad lately, but with this latest spate, that looks like it's changing."
It has also emerged that on Sunday night, numerous number plates were unscrewed from cars parked in Barcroft Street.
The vandalism has happened at all times of the day and as the Grimsby Telegraph interviewed Tracey, a police car patrolled the area.
Officers want people to report anything suspicious and to remove their valuables from parked vehicles.
A spokesperson said: "We would like to remind people not to leave anything valuable in their vehicles, despite nothing being stolen in these recent incidents, there is still a chance thieves may target your vehicle if something of value is left on display."
For crime prevention advice, visit www.humberside.police.uk. If you want to report anything, phone the non-emergency number 101.
Crime news for Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire
