String of tyre slashings

Vandals slashed the tyres of at least six cars in a New Plymouth suburb, leaving behind damage like ‘‘a trail of cookie crumbs,’’ according to one victim.

Single mum Billie Moore said she spotted the damage when she went to take her four-year-old son Carlos to kindy on Thursday morning, only to find two of her car’s tyres had been cut.

‘‘Then I looked around and saw it was all the same,’’ the 25-yearold, of Moturoa, said.

Moore saw several cars along South Rd were touching the ground. The trail continued on about a five-kilometre loop toward Nga¯motu Beach.

‘‘Obviously whoever has done this was just bored on their walk home. Not a very smart criminal, mate.’’

Acting Sergeant David Lee confirmed at least six vehicles had had tyres slashed along South Rd, Crownhill St and Nga¯motu Rd, overnight Wednesday. He also said people should be vigilant.

‘‘If you see anyone on the street acting suspiciously around your car or anyone else’s car, please call us immediately.’’

Though reports have been filed with police, Moore said those affected had banded together to find the responsible party on their own.

She said neighbouring business have been approached for CCTV footage. Moore said she was ‘‘lucky’’ to have help from her family but was upset with the vandal’s lack of empathy.

‘‘We all work full-time, we’re all mums, and someone just comes by and makes it harder on us,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m p***ed off. Where do you get off? It’s just disrespectful.’’

- Leighton Keith and Brittany Baker