Police warn of drunken pranks

10:40am Thursday 15th May 2008

POLICE are warning drunken pranks could have serious implications after a spate of criminal damage in the Headless Cross area of Redditch.

The damage has been happening overnight, mainly at weekends and in one incident, just after 4am on Saturday, April 26, a plant pot was placed on the roof of a car, causing £150 damage in terms of dents and scratches to the Citroen Picasso parked in Mason Road.

In another incident in the early hours of Sunday, April 27, the window of a house in Malvern Road was smashed.

It is believed several other incidents of criminal damage may not have been reported.

South West sector sergeant Julian Smith said the offenders were believed to be a group of youths and young men who were under the influence of alcohol.

He said: "People may think it is funny to put plant pots on cars and pull wing mirrors off, but I can assure those responsible that the police and the victims are not amused by drunken pranks.

"We take criminal damage and anti social behaviour very seriously, and if caught the offenders will find themselves with a criminal record.

"It is just not worth it, and we are asking them to be sensible when they are on their way home after a night out, otherwise they will find themselves in trouble."

Sgt Smith added patrols were being increased.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to ring Redditch police on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.