Northumbria Police are investigating a spate of overnight attacks on vehicles in Jesmond.

Photograph by donielle, under Creative Commons licence

In the first wave of attacks, between the evening of Wednesday 22^nd February and the early hours of Thursday 23^rd February, a number of vehicles were maliciously scratched on Larkspur Terrace in Jesmond.

Various parts of the vehicles’ panelling and bonnets faced the brunt of the attack, and will cost a considerable amount of money to repair.

PC Mike Fawcett of the Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The panels have been scratched to the bare metal meaning the vehicles will need to be re-sprayed costing the victims large amounts of money.

“This is absolutely mindless damage causing anger and frustration amongst those people affected. Criminal damage not only impacts on the individual but also the wider community.”

However, during a second wave of attacks this week there have been seven more similar incidents.

Since Tuesday 28^th February, three more cars have been attacked on Larkspur Terrace, while three more cars have also been damaged on Coniston Avenue and one car on West Jesmond Avenue.

In an attempt to catch the perpetrator, Northumbria Police, have brought in high-visibility, uniformed police patrols as well as plain clothed patrols, while other officers are examining CCTV from the area.

Neighbourhood Inspector Louise Cass-Williams said: “Our priority is finding the person responsible for these completely mindless crimes, as well as preventing more from taking place.

“The person or people doing this are causing great frustration, anger and concerns in the community in which they more than likely are familiar with or even live in. It’s disgraceful behaviour and we’re taking it very seriously.

“It’s very unusual for such a crime to happen in large numbers in a small area and we’re using every tactic in an effort to trace those involved and this will continue.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 101 ext 69191, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers could be eligible for a cash reward.