Sharp rise in car vandal attacks
REPORTS of vehicle vandalism in Greater Manchester have risen by over a third in three years, new figures have revealed.
Slashed tyres, smashed windows and broken windscreen wipers were among the damage seen across the region.
Police data obtained by RAC Insurance under the Freedom of Information Act shows reports of vandalism in GMP’s force area rose by 37 per cent between 2013 and 2016 – the sharpest increase in the country.
Across England and Wales there has been a 10pc jump overall, with 210,000 vehicles suffering criminal damage in 2016, compared with 191,000 in 2013. According to the RAC, the real figure could be higher because many motorists do not report incidents for fear of insurance premium increases.
In February last year, 17 vehicles were vandalised in one night in Stockport.
Thugs went on the rampage in Hazel Grove, slashing the tyres of cars.
In September this year, it was reported that dozens of cars in Whitworth near Rochdale had been keyed in a spate of mindless damage.
One of them was Lynn Crook’s Honda Jazz and she said she could not afford to get it resprayed.
In April this year, another incident in Rochdale saw vandals smash up 40 cars.
The gang stole a taxi and then drove it around the streets of Rochdale, destroying windscreens, windows and mirrors.
Speaking at the time, neighbourhood beat sergeant Alastair Twidale said: “This was a mindless act of vandalism where thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused.”
Chief Inspector Tariq Butt from Greater Manchester Police described the increase as ‘disappointing’.
He said: “It can be extremely distressing to discover somebody has deliberately damaged your vehicle, especially if it is outside your own home. There has been an increase in this type of crime in Greater Manchester and while this is disappointing, vandalism is often under-reported so it’s reassuring to see more people coming forward.
“To deter would-be thieves or vandals park your car somewhere welllit and preferably overlooked by neighbours, or in a secure garage.
“Always remove valuables from your car and report any suspicious behaviour or crimes in progress to police.”