Residents’ anger after more than 20 cars vandalised in Ipswich

Residents suspect that the damage was done with a flat-head screwdriver. Picture: MEGAN GOODWIN (Image: Archant)

The 22 cars, including brand new 2017 plate vehicles, were scratched during a late-night crime spree at the weekend.

Overnight between Friday and Saturday 11 vehicles were vandalised in Belle Vue Road, seven in Oxford Road and four in Woodville Road.

A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “The damage is consistent with the vehicles having been scratched, or ‘keyed’.”

One resident said the damage looked like it was done with a ‘flat-head screwdriver’ due to the size of the scratches.

Many residents in Belle Vue Road fear that they will be targeted again.

One victim, whose new 2017 plate vehicle was one of the most damaged, said: “It’s so mindless and thoughtless.

“Why would they do something like this?

“I wish we had taken this car [out with us the day it happened] and left the other one.”

Another victim, who did not want to be named, said: “So many cars have been affected; I mean, the costs of the damages caused [will be huge].”

Scott Macfarlane, who lives in Cavendish Street in Ipswich, said his car was also damaged overnight on Friday.

“Our car, which we’ve only have for three weeks, had a long scratch down the side and has had part of the plastic around the wing mirror chiselled off - it will cost about £172 to get repaired,” he said. “To have a nice car is a luxury for us and this isn’t the first time its happened - our two previous cars were also scratched up.

“It is terrible, we’ve got to get the message out there.”

One woman, who took to social media to express her views, said: “I worked hard for my car, and I can’t afford to get it re-sprayed.

“They need catching, it’s a big amount of criminal damage and it will carry on every weekend.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Incident and Crime Management Hub on 101 quoting reference 35003/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.