Cars wrecked in 12-hour 'trail of destruction'

Vandals smashed up 32 vehicles with a baseball bat whilst driving through streets in Tipton and Brandhall near Oldbury.

Police chiefs have condemned the 'terrible incident' and are appealing for help to trace the suspects who are still at large.

It comes as reports came from the community about similar vandalism that has taken place in recent weeks - with one car being left torched.

The incident took place between 7pm on September 18 and 7am the following day.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "It appears a silver or grey Citroen Picasso was driven along roads with a male hanging out of a window.

"He was using something that resembled a baseball bat to smash several vehicles, breaking windscreens and damaging bodywork, before driving away leaving a trail of destruction.

"There have been 32 cars that have been damaged."

No arrests have been made but enquiries are ongoing.

Pc Ricardo Lanca from Oldbury Police Station said: “This is a terrible incident that has affected a significant number of local residents.

"Whilst nobody has been injured in this large scale criminal spree it has had a huge knock on effect on people, affecting their ability to travel to work, take children to school, visit family and friends.

"If anybody has information or seen anything related to these incidents, please call police on 101."

Pictures show a black Renault vehicle which was left burnt out on Maypole Road on September 4.

A source said: "Although this is a separate incident which happened around two weeks ago, it just shows the amount of crime in the area lately."

They added: "This seems to be one man randomly targeting between 25 to 30 vehicles on Aldridge Road, Brennand Road, Bodenham Road and Frankley Road. I have advised anyone with CCTV and images to pass these on to the police and contact the local council."

One of the affected motorists was Shayne Kiernan, who had to pay £300 to get his white Vauxhall Astra fixed after his car windows were smashed.

Shayne, aged 25, who lives on Aldridge Road, Brandhall, said: "I'm pretty much gutted as I have not long passed my driving test. I spent a lot of money on my insurance, which hasn't covered the damage.

"I woke up to find my car smashed up outside. I have had to pay for taxis to get to work while my car was being fixed. I have only just got it back."