The pensioners claim their vehicles have been damaged 11 times — with three completely written off, since they moved to their Columbia Street home three years ago.

Sixty-nine-year-old Brenda and Gordon (77) only bought their last car in May, but since then it has been smashed beyond repair by callous yobs.

Distraught Brenda told Chad they could no longer afford the cost of replacing their car, as well as paying for increasing insurance premiums.

'Replacing'

"We just can't afford to keep replacing the car every time this happens and we don't have a car at the moment," she said.

"We had bought an old car and had some work done to it, including a new clutch, but then it was vandalised and the insurance premiums are so high — I was quoted £1,000 a year by one company."

The couple have always parked their car on the street and, although it would be possible for them to build a driveway, they do not believe it would put a stop to the mindless vandalism.

Added Brenda: "It would be expensive to have the work done in the first place and it wouldn't stop them if they wanted to steal it or damage it.

"It is really distressing and it bothers you — we are worried about what will happen next and whether we are even safe in our own beds."

Patrols

Yesterday police chiefs confirmed they intend to speak to the couple to discuss the situation and that patrols would be stepped up as part of a wider drive to stamp out vandalism in the area.

Said local beat manager Pc Neil Priestley: "We have had a recent spate of incidents of criminal damage against vehicles in the Huthwaite area, and the week of action which was carried out at the end of April identified this vandalism as one of the main areas of concern for local residents.

"As a result, we are introducing extra patrols in an effort to eliminate the problem and identify the offenders. We will also visit Mr and Mrs Brown to discuss their concerns."

• Anyone with any information about vandalism should contact Mansfield 420999, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111."

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