Mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town

Police are hunting mindless yobs who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to 41 cars after going on a wrecking spree in a town. The vandals went on the rampage in a quiet residential neighbourhood in the Overslade area of Rugby, Warwickshire., over the weekend.

Devastated homeowners awoke on the morning of Sunday, August 3, to find their vehicle windows smashed in and spray painted with green paint. The cruel crooks targeted the cars between 12am and 2am along Saunton Road, Westbourne Grove and Wentworth Road.

Some had their front and back windows smashed while other vehicles were painted with bizarre phrases such as 'Help' and 'We R Here'. Warwickshire Police has since launched an investigation and released CCTV of two people they are looking to trace.

READ MORE: Warning to parents over fines for breaking new school rules from September

READ MORE: Couple who bought 20-bed mansion for £9k now can't sell it despite £1.2m worth

Chief inspector Angus Eagles, policing commander for Rugby, said: “This incident has understandably caused a lot of anguish in the local community, and we have launched a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“One of the people we would like to speak to was wearing a distinctive top which we believe to be the Off White brand. There’s an image of the top below, I appreciate it’s not the best, but we’re hoping someone can help us identify the owner.

"Our CCTV enquiries are ongoing. We're continuing our enquiries and appeal for anyone with CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage from the area around the time of the incident to get in touch with us.”

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It is usually so quiet and peaceful around here, we don't even get any noise issues.

"I woke up to find someone had written 'help' on my Toyota. Others had hearts or 'hi' and 'we are here' daubed over their vehicles - it was very bizarre. Our insurance will cover it but I was gutted as I've only had it two years and it was brand new.

"My partner managed to scrub the paint off but it has still ruined the body work. They broke the front and back windows of some cars, I have not idea what they were thinking.

"It was just mindless but they came in masks so they were prepared for what they were going to do. It was definitely premeditated. I think by the way one moved and the style writing it could have been a girl who did the painting. They must have caused thousands of pounds of damage."

Another added: "I had to help an elderly neighbour clean up her car, she was distraught. They had smashed up her registration plate too. We never have any major issues around here, it was just carnage. We just want them caught and are worried they might come back."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.