ANGRY Hampton people are demanding action after a spate of vandalism that has left 40 cars damaged.

The neighbourhood has been suffering with the problem for the past year with many of the vehicles targeted, having the letters ‘XF’ cut into the paint.

Sally and Anthony Taylor decided to have CCTV installed to the rear of their home to stop their car being damaged again.

“Our car was targeted last week,” said Sally. “It was on the driveway at the rear of the house. There were scratches to the bonnet.

“As residents we are sick and tired of it. The repairs cost us at least £200. We want to raise people’s awareness.

“It is a concern because there is someone wandering around with a knife.”

The main areas affected by the vandalism are Pershore Road, Peewit Road, School Road, New Road and Alexandra Close.

Cy Garrett, who also lives in Hampton, has had his work vehicle scratched and the soft-top roof of his girlfriend’s Mazda slashed twice. “The cost of repairs on the Mazda are £1,900 each time. I am perplexed at the idiocy of the person behind this,” he said.

PC David Shortell, neighbourhood policing officer, said: “We are experiencing a particular problem with cars being damaged in Hampton. In response, we have conducted many highvisibility patrols as well as plain-clothed patrols, but so far without success.

“Our investigations also include a forensic line of inquiry and we are looking at what additional tactics we can employ to catch whoever is responsible.”