Stockport Express

More than 20 cars targeted in wrecking spree

Yob is caught on CCTV damaging vehicles in night time attack after spate of break-ins are reported

- ALEX SCAPENS alex.scapens@menmedia.co.uk @AlexScapen­sMEN

A VANDAL went on a wrecking-spree kicking wing mirrors off cars with more than 20 vehicles believed to have been damaged.

The thug was captured on CCTV damaging a Vauxhall Astra on Turncroft Lane, Offerton, on Saturday night at 10.50pm.

Owner of the car Donna Whittingto­n, 30, says she was one of around 20 people this happened to on her road alone, with other incidents on nearby Hall Street and Edwin Street. Police are investigat­ing and residents say car crime in the area has dramatical­ly increased with a spate of thefts from vehicles the previous month.

Rachael Stott, 28, of nearby Forbes Close, is another to have fallen victim to car crime when her Kia was broken into and food taken.

She took to Facebook to warn that at least another 10 car break-ins in 10 days had been reported.

AVANDAL went on a wrecking-spree kicking wing mirrors off cars with more than 20 vehicles believed to have fallen victim.

The thug was captured on CCTV damaging a Vauxhall Astra on Turncroft Lane, Offerton, on Saturday night at 10.50pm.

Owner of the car Donna Whittingto­n, 30, says she was one of around 20 people this happened to on her road alone, with other incidents on nearby Hall Street and Edwin Street.

Police are investigat­ing and residents say car crime in the area has dramatical­ly increased with a spate of thefts from vehicles the previous month.

Donna, who lives with her partner and two daughters, said: “A guy went on a massive rampage, even kicking wing mirrors off cars as they were at traffic lights.

“There were 20 cars it happened to on our road alone. You buy these nice things and someone comes along and ruins them and you think what’s the point?

“There’s just no need or reason for it. Offerton is a hotspot for car crime, people are very angry.”

Police confirmed they are investigat­ing reports of criminal damage to cars on Turncorft Lane and Edwin Street and appealed for witnesses.

No arrests have been made as yet.

Rachael Stott, 28, of Forbes Close, is another to have fallen victim to car crime when her Kia was broken into and food items, including hot dogs, were taken.

She took to Facebook to warn others and posts in response detailed at least another 10 car break-ins in 10 days.

Other roads affected included Forbes Road, Knowsley Crescent, Turncroft Lane and Victoria Road.

Rachael, whose car was broken into during the early hours of March 19, says the trend has continued since.

Residents have started a petition entitled Make The Quadrant Safe Again, which seeks to have the passageway between Forbes Road and Turncroft Lane closed off.

This is thought to offer good cover and potential escape for thieves.

Rachael said: “We want people to be aware of this and not everyone is on Facebook.

“Often there is no damage to cars so we think people are using an electronic fob to get past the lock.

“Now if I hear anything during the night I have to look out of the window to check, I can’t sleep properly at the moment.”

Police confirmed they are investigat­ing the theft from Rachael’s car, anyone with informatio­n can call police on 101 or Crimestopp­ers anonymousl­y on 0800 555 111.

 ??  ?? l●Rachael Stott had her car broken into on Forbes Close in Offerton
l●Rachael Stott had her car broken into on Forbes Close in Offerton
 ??  ?? ●●Rachael Stott Pic: Andy Lambert
●●Rachael Stott Pic: Andy Lambert

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