Drivers hit by big increase in vandalism

CAR vandalism has jumped by up to 37 per cent in three years, police data shows.

Some 210,000 vehicles suffered criminal damage such as smashed windows, slashed tyres and broken windscreen wipers in 2016 in England and Wales, compared with 191,000 in 2013, according to data obtained by RAC Insurance.

Drivers suffered the biggest increase in Greater Manchester, with the area’s force recording a 37 per cent rise.

Hertfordshire Constabulary and West Yorkshire Police had the joint second largest increase at 25 per cent.

Twenty-four of 37 forces to respond to Freedom of Information requests saw a rise in vandalism from 2013 to 2016.

The real figures could be much higher as many do not report incidents to avoid soaring insurance premiums.