Residents angry after vandals scratch cars in Sutton during coronavirus lockdown

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson confirmed he was contacted by several constituents following the incident which happened in the early hours of March 26, 2020, when the country was subject to movement restrictions because of the COVID-19 crisis.

A trail of damage led from the Low Street area, through to Kensington Close and onto Church Lane. The residents are now appealing for domestic CCTV and dash-cam footage and anyone who may have seen anything suspicious.

According to one victim, the residents have had “very little feedback” from the police barring the issue of a crime number.

In a letter to the MP a resident said: “Several of my neighbours’ cars including my own were maliciously vandalised and on the majority of them the paintwork panels were damaged.

“I realise the police have far greater priorities, but it does not assist the local residents who have to meet the insurance excess/cost of repairs and the anxiety this creates especially for the elderly residents in the area.

“The latest incident is really frustrating as it is likely the offenders were in the town centre when no-one should have been out. I would expect they should have easily been picked up on the central CCTV cameras.”

Lee Anderson said: “Car vandalism has been happening in the area for months, but no one has been caught yet. There have been reports of it also going on in the Carsic area.

“At a time when residents are obeying new Government rules to help fight Coronavirus we have another 'disease' blighting the streets of Ashfield in the form of mindless morons intent on damaging decent hardworking peoples property.

“Imagine being a key worker and getting up in a morning to do your bit for the country to discover some idiot has damaged your car. It needs highlighting and we need to catch these idiots.”

Sergeant Kate Long, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are investigating reports of criminal damage caused to six cars parked in the Church Lane area of Sutton-in-Ashfield between around 11pm on 25 March 2020 and 6am on 26 March 2020.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to this mindless vandalism, any drivers who may have recorded dashcam footage or anyone who has any information which could help us in our investigation to please call us.

“We have carried out house-to-house enquiries and spoken to victims and residents, conducted a CCTV trawl and increased patrols in the area and as we continue with our investigation.

“We have also contacted Ashfield District Council and submitted a bid for a temporary CCTV camera and made an application to Nottinghamshire County Council to improve street lighting in the area.

“As we continue with our enquiries we are urging local residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to us on 101.”

“Anyone who saw what happened or who has any other information which could assist officers in their investigation is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 20000163432, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”