A WOMAN who got back from holiday to find her car vandalised is offering a reward to catch those responsible.

Dawn Knight, 46, parked her convertible Audi A3 on James Street in Stanley, County Durham, while she spent a week in Spain.

But when she returned last Wednesday, she found each panel has been scratched with a key and fluid had been poured on it to damage the paintwork.

She said it will cost thousands of pounds to repair and is offering a reward for help.

Mrs Knight, who runs Beautifly on Clifford Road in Stanley, said: “I am willing to pay for information that leads to a conviction.

“I think I may be the victim of mistaken identity because I cannot think of who would do this.

“It is heartbreaking and such a senseless thing.”

The damage was reported by a neighbour and police believe it was carried out between overnight between August 29 and 30.

Mrs Knight also praised police for their response, despite reports last week that some forces were no longer investigating car crime.

She added: “They were great and came to get a statement and have been knocking on doors.”

Chief Inspector Sue Robinson said: “It is a quality of life issue and certainly something we take seriously. I am please she has had a good level of service.

“Things like this tend to be for personal reasons and she does not think she has done anything to warrant that level of damage. It is not what you want you when you come from holiday, not something you want full stop.”

Anyone with information can call the police non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.