DURING one night, hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused to an unspecified number of vehicles parked in Crediton.

Crediton Police are appealing for information from witnesses or anyone with any information regarding the incidents.

Crediton Police have confirmed that eight vehicles parked in Belle Parade and Blagdon have been reported to them as being damaged overnight from Saturday, August 8 to Sunday, August 9.

Wing mirrors on both sides of the parked vehicles were damaged and, in one or two cases, fuel tank covers were also broken off.

While the police confirm they had received reports of eight vehicles damaged, the number which were actually damaged appears to have been much higher.

Local residents have told the Courier that 14 to 20 vehicles were damaged. It is believed that many of the vehicle owners did not report the damage, which is the reason why the numbers indicated by the police differ.

The town's neighbourhood beat manager, PC Luke Newman, who is investigating the matter, said: "This is a spate of damage that appears to have been committed by the same person or persons and is not normal for the area.

"The local police are keen to trace those responsible so that positive action can be taken in order to prevent further incidents of mindless vandalism.

"We are conducting inquiries to trace those responsible so that positive action can be taken.

"I am grateful to the community for their assistance given so far.

"There will be extra patrols in this area, not only to offer reassurance to local residents, but also to ensure that anyone acting in such an anti-social manner will be dealt with appropriately."

PC Newman added that if people have not reported the damage to their vehicles already, they can do so by calling 08452 777444 or 01363 772223.

These numbers can also be used to pass on any information about the incident to the police and it would be useful to quote the crime reference KC/09/624 or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

• A 22-year-old local man has been reported for a similar incident in which wing mirrors were damaged in Crediton High Street in February.

He will be summonsed to appear before Central Devon magistrates in due course.

ALCOHOL

As a result of the increase in patrols in the area because of the damage to the vehicles, officers on foot patrol in Newcombes Meadow came across a small group of youngsters aged 14 upwards who had in their possession 14 litres of cider, five cans of lager and a bottle of vodka.

The alcohol was seized and poured away.

Sgt Gareth Twigg from Crediton Police Station told the Courier: "This seizure was thankfully made before much had been consumed.

"Officers are attending the homes of the young people involved to ensure their parents are aware.

"I would urge all parents to be vigilant.

"My officers will be making inquiries to establish where this alcohol has come from and in what circumstances it became available to these young people.

"If offences are uncovered they will be dealt with in a positive manner."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where you do not have to give your name.

alan-quick@crediton

couriernewspaper.co.uk