POLICE are urging residents to keep their eyes peeled following a spate of vandal attacks on cars.

Over the weekend four were damaged in Gartland Road, Gillingham Road and Somerset Cottages. Sunderland.

Four cars were also damaged in the Lingfield area of Houghton-le-Spring and in Moorsfield, Chilton Moor.

The damage included scratched paintwork, broken wing mirrors and punctured tyres.

Sunderland Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "Whoever is causing these damages is upsetting a lot of people and costing motorists a lot of money.

“Criminal damage is a serious offence and anyone found damaging cars can be arrested and action will be taken against them.

"I'd ask anyone who thinks they know who is responsible to contact us as soon as possible with any information.

"I'd also appeal for residents to be vigilant and if they see anyone acting suspiciously around parked cars then they should ring police and report it immediately.

“We can respond straight away and your actions could help us to stop other crimes from happening."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference number 542 21/03/15 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.