Outrage as yobs target shoppers' cars

Yobs scratching cars are plaguing a Black Country supermarket car park leaving shoppers with huge repair bills.

Police are investigating a spate of criminal damage which has happened outside Asda in Pearson Street, Brierley Hill.

At least 10 incidents have been reported since June 7 and both shoppers and staff have had their cars targeted. In the latest attack, Ann and Bryn Richards, of Marine Crescent, Wordsley, had their Vauxhall Vectra damaged while they were shopping on Saturday.

Their car was parked in the middle of a row of three that had all been scratched from the bonnet to the boot along one side.

Hotel nightporter Mr Richards, 55, said: "I have looked after the car so up until now there hasn't a single scratch on it. The scratch has gone straight through to the metal. As the car is black it sticks out like a sore thumb."

Mrs Richards, aged 63, who works as a staff nurse at a residential home, added: "We spent nearly £200 in the store and now we are going to have to pay £390 to repair the damage.

"It was a shock but I suppose in this day and age you should expect things like this to happen."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman, Hilary Hopker said:"We have had at least 10 reports of cars scratched on the Asda car park in Brierley Hill.

"On June 7, a green Peugeot 206 was scratched down the driver's side. Seven staff vehicles were also scratched in a similar manner.

"On June 8, a green Ford Mondeo was scratched down the driver's side using a key and on June 9 a silver Volkswagen Golf was also scratched down the driver's side.

"All the incidents are being treated as criminal damage and police investigations, including reviewing CCTV footage, are continuing."

Asda spokeswoman Rebecca Liburt said the store was aware of the isssue and was working with the police. She said more cover and CCTV had been introduced on the car park.