Car attackers causing ‘mindless destruction’ in village
Vandal attacks on cars in a Leicestershire village have left residents furious. Victims of the attacks, in Barwell, near Hinckley[1], have slammed the “mindless destruction”, which has occurred in the High Street, Church Lane and Blackburn Road areas of the village.
Among those whose vehicles have been damaged is High Street resident Ken Allsopp, whose Citroen Berlingo had its lead to the battery cut and the central locking system damaged. His van was also damaged.
He said: "The cost to repair them was £1,800. My car still does not run properly. These thugs need stopping from carrying on this mindless destruction."
He added: “I lost my wife of 30 years on the 5th March, two days after her 60th birthday, and now I have to deal with this. It’s unbearable. I've had to put new front door locks in.
"Four weeks ago last Saturday, a chap who lives [nearby] had his tyres and interiors slashed, as well as five other people who had their cars damaged on that night.”
Councillor Michael Mullaney, who has spoken to a number of the victims, said: “This is really concerning for residents in these streets in Barwell. It’s clear a few individuals are pointlessly vandalising people’s cars causing them misery, inconvenience and financial loss.
"I have contacted the police on this issue. I hope they can apprehend the people responsible and also hope we can see extra police presence in the Barwell area to deal with this problem and reassure worried local residents."
Councillor Charlotte Green said: “There was a police drop-in for the public at the George Ward Centre before the pandemic. It was stopped during the Covid pandemic and it needs restoring for the village.”
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said officers were investigating the incidents, and asked anyone with information to report it by calling 101 or via the force's website.
They added that police beat surgeries took place monthly, and details could be found by putting a road name and town/village into the ‘find your area’ box on its website.
References
- ^ Hinckley (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Meet Leicestershire's Great British Bake Off 2023 contestant Josh (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)