DOZENS of motorists woke to find their car tyres had been slashed during the night.

Police say more than 20 vehicles were damaged although local residents say up to 50 could have been targeted in Colburn and Brought St Giles, near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. 

Some motorists woke to find all four tyres had been slashed, while others suffered damage to one or two tyres.

Chris Thornton-Dunning, 62, of Austin Drive, Brought St Giles, was one of those whose car was targeted by the vandals.

He said he found a three-quarter inch slash in his front tyre. 

"I'd call them 'scroats'," he added

"The tyre was fairly new as well. They got my neighbour's car and another on the corner - that's three in the space of 80 yards.

"When I went out to walk the dog at 6am police had cordoned off a field and land that used to be Inpipe Products but they got away." 

Another motorist said on social media: "It needs to stop before someone gets hurt - heaven help anyone needing the car for a emergency in the night." 

Officers investigating the incidents say they particularly keen to speak to two men seen walking in Colburn at about 5.15am as they may have important information that could assist the investigation.

PC Mark Wood, of Richmond Police, said: “This mindless damage has caused great inconvenience to a large number of Colburn residents. I am appealing for anyone who has any information about these incidents to contact me straight away.”

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Mark Wood, or Richmond Police. 

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111. 
Please quote reference number 12150144142 when passing information about these incidents.

*Was your vehicle involved or do you have photographs of the damage? Call The Northern Echo on 01325-505065 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk