Vandals target vehicles on road and garage forecourt

POLICE are hot on the trail of "mindless" criminals who have caused thousands of pounds of damage to cars and targeted a family business.

Vehicles belonging to residents of Aberdeen Close, in St Blazey, and St Andrews Road Garage have been badly scratched over the new year period.

Garage director Mark Pearce, 44, said: "It makes me feel physically sick.

"We had around £3,500 worth of damage caused this time around. It comes out of the company's pockets. We can't claim on the insurance for it or we would never get insurance again."

The family company was set up by Mark's father, Keith Pearce, in 1965. Mark's son Aron, 20, also works for the business.

Keith, 64, said he would offer a £200 reward to anyone who could provide information on the crimes which resulted in the culprits being found.

Mark added: "It is hard enough at the moment as it is without this. I want to ask any parents of children who may have done this, or the children themselves, to come forward – this is our livelihood. We think this was mindless vandals or kids."

Two signs on the garage forecourt were also spray-painted on Christmas Day.

"We are looking to improve our security cameras to try to stop this happening again," said Mark.

"We already have a security firm carry out two checks every night. My dad is down here all times of the day and night too. The first thing I do in the morning is check all the cars.

"This is about the seventh time we have had cars damaged in 12 months – enough is enough."

The vehicles targeted included a Mercedes, Audi, Nissan and a Rover.

St Blazey's Sgt John Capp said he believed the damage was done by young people and police officers were currently following up leads.

He said: "On New Year's Eve lots of vehicles on Aberdeen Close were damaged by someone walking down the road with a key or sharp implement. They caused thousands of pounds worth of damage – one man had his sports car scratched.

"The damage at St Andrew's Road Garage occurred overnight December 28 and 29 – we are appealing for anyone with information to contact us."

● Anyone with information about the vehicle damage on Aberdeen Close or St Andrews Road Garage should contact PC Rob Toms at St Blazey Police Station on 01726 812262 or 08452 777444, quoting crime reference GW09/01, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.