Gangs targets 17 cars

Police are investigating the spate of damage to parked cars between just before midnight on Wednesday and 2am on Thursday.

Victims have reported hearing a mix of male and female voices and at least one woman was seen as part of the group.

Sergeant Anna Gent, from the local neighbourhood policing team, said: “These acts of wanton vandalism are not acceptable in this or any other community.

“They cause unnecessary expense to those victims of crime who need to make essential repairs, and the behaviour may contribute to making certain sections of the community feel unsafe.”

The group went from Church Street, off East Street, along St Flora’s Road, into Horsham Road, along Elm Grove and into Blakehurst Way.

As they went, one or more of them either damaged wing mirrors, or took an object such as a brick and threw it through the windscreens, or windows, of various cars.

There was then damage to vehicles in Sussex Street, Stanley Road and Beaconsfield Road.

Police said some victims heard footsteps running away from the scene and in one case, a group of youths was witnessed.

It has been suggested the group was possibly taking a particular route home, having been out for the evening, and they may have taken alcohol or drugs.

Sgt Gent added: “It may be that you were in one of the named areas and saw a group of young people - even if you didn’t see them actually doing anything wrong - please get in touch.”

Contact Sussex Police on 101 or email [email protected] serial 28 of 23/1. Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.