POLICE in Ledbury are investigating a spate of vehicle crimes in the town, including the slashing of tyres and the breaking of car windows.

Nothing was stolen in the random attacks, and Ledbury people have reacted strongly with anger and dismay to news of the apparently motiveless crime spree.

Posting on the Ledbury Reporter web site, resident Gary Williams said: "We should bring back the stocks for the idiots that do this sort of thing. A little public shaming would do them the world of good."

Other residents pointed the finger of blame at young people and suggested there was a age divide in the market town which was causing social problems.

Nicole Davis said: "Ledbury is full of old people and youths. The youths don't seem to care and the older people fear they'll get attacked by the vandals, so it's all left to the police, actually."

Other residents talked about old fashioned swift justice, while conceding this cannot happen.

Terry Wilkins said: "The general public could easily stop this kind of behaviour but can't for fear of prosecution by those in charge of the useless nanny state in which we now live. "If the vandals were caught red-handed and given a cuff or so around the ear, those doing the cuffing would be charged with assault.That's the problem."

Seven incidents were reported to the police, all taking place over two nights, Tuesday, October 3, and Wednesday October 4.

Over the two nights there were seven vehicle crimes reported to police.

On the Tuesday, four tyres were slashed on a grey Fiat coupe at Oatleys Road, two tyres slashed on a recovery truck at Little Marcle Road, a tyre slashed on a Citroen Picasso parked on a driveway in Villa Way, and tyres were slashed on two vehicles parked on a driveway in Oaklands Drive.

On the Wednesday, the rear windscreen of a blue Peugeot 208 at New Street was smashed, and the rear window of a black Ford Fiesta at Elmsdale Road was also broken.

The same night, the Fiat at Oatleys Road that had has its tyres slashed the previous night had its front and rear windscreens smashed.

And the crime spree may have been even more extensive than that.

A police spokesman said: "Officers are aware of two more crimes which have not been formally reported, and are urging anyone who has suffered vehicle crime to call 101.

The offences have predominantly taken place in the early hours of the morning and all vehicles were secure. At one location two males were seen running away."

Sergeant Nick Green from Ledbury Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We are currently investigating a number of vehicle crimes within the town and would urge anyone with any information about these offences to please come forward.

"This type of criminal damage is very rarely seen in Ledbury; all vehicles were secure and nothing was stolen."