Police call for witnesses after residents hit by night of vandalism

RESIDENTS suspect a gang of youths was responsible for an overnight spate of vandalism and theft in several Holbury streets.

Vehicle windows were smashed and Christmas decoration electronics were stolen when the offenders struck during last Thursday night.

Police were alerted to seven vehicles targeted by vandals, including a car windscreen smashed in Oakley Close.

Others were damaged in Ivor Close, Whitefield Road, Southbourne Avenue and Beechwood Road.

In addition to these, an exterior Christmas lights projector was taken from outside a property in Whitefield Road.

Residents posting about the crimewave on a local Facebook page shared their concerns about trouble in the area.

One person wrote: “It’s getting so bad round here lately.”

Another said she suspected a group of youngsters had been involved in the offences.

They posted: “A friend heard some banging and footsteps in the Faircross area and said he saw a load of 15-year-olds. One said, ‘Don’t do that one, my uncle lives there’.”

Investigating officers are urging people to come forward if they saw any suspicious activity in the area at the time.

They are also keen to hear from those who have CCTV cameras which might have captured any useful footage.

Those with information should contact Hampshire police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.