YOBS on the rampage in Newent have trashed more than 20 cars leading to repair costs of more than £10,000.

Residents living in Court Road and The Crofts discovered the vandalism on Saturday morning.

Vandals attacked the paintwork of the cars, either by scratching obscene messages into them or leaving long scratches down the side.

Carer Donna Beard had got up early for work and found her four-year-old Toyota Yaris damaged.

"They had gouged the paint from the back of the car to the front," she said.

"The damage was quite deep so I think they used something bigger than a key.

"I was angry and upset – something like this is the last thing you need.

"People who do things like this don't realise how much it disrupts people's lives. And for what – some silly drunken fun?

"I've been quoted around £500 for the damage to be repaired and it would have been more if a friend wasn't doing the work."

Roger Scott found his wife's VW Golf and his own Hyundai had offensive messages scratched into the paintwork.

"No-one heard a thing during the night," said Roger.

"This is a quiet area and there haven't been any other incidents like this.

"I've heard estimates ranging from £300 to £3,000 for people to get their cars repaired.

"It's aggravating because it's very unlikely that anyone will get any recompense from the people who did it.

"They will have to go through their insurance companies, they will lose their no claims and will end up paying more."

Officers received the first report from a resident in Croft Road at about 7.45am and the full extent of the vandalism spree quickly became clear after further damaged vehicles were found in other streets including Court Road and The Crofts.

Direct Autos in Cleeve Mill Lane was also targeted during the spree.

Officers are currently looking at local CCTV and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to call Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 132 of June 4.

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