MELKSHAM residents have been left to fork out thousands of pounds repairing their cars after vandals went on a four day spree.

Tyres were slashed, windows smashed and bodywork scratched, gloveboxes were also raided with a sat nav and iPod being stolen from one.

Police are now trying to solve why and who caused the attacks to the 11 cars in Portman Road, and five cars in neighbouring streets Granville Road and Scotland Road between Friday night and Monday morning.

Fearing vandals might strike again Portman Road resident Penny Coleman is stepping up security at her home after her tyre was slashed on Saturday night.

She said: “Nothing ever usually happens here, it seems to have been a mini sort of crime wave almost.

“It’s a bit off-putting. I have one or two security lights that I leave on and I made sure I left them on last night so it looked as though there was somebody peering out.”

One resident, who did not want to be named, had his car scratched. He said: “I didn’t know until I got a phone call from my wife, who didn’t actually know how to break it to me.

“There’s never been any incidents in the time that I’ve been here but thanks to some verminous scum I am now £800 out of pocket.”

Another added: “I’ve lived here since 1997 and I’ve never had any issue that I’ve come out here and found anything damaged. You just don’t expect it around here.”

PC Kane Fulbrook-Smith of Melksham Neighbourhood Policing Team is appealing for witnesses. He said: “The individuals responsible for this act of vandalism have purposely gone out their way to venture onto driveways, in some cases, whilst other vehicles were parked on the road side.

“Let’s work together to make this responsible accountable for their pointless and mindless behaviour.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Fulbrook-Smith on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.