RESIDENTS are being urged to remain vigilant following a spate of vandal attacks on cars and properties.

Police officers are appealing for information after several vehicles and properties were damaged in Evenwood, Bishop Auckland, on Saturday afternoon.

Officers said it is believed the incidents were carried out between 2.30pm and 7pm. 

Witnesses reported seeing a group of men make off in vehicles from the scene following each report of criminal damage. 

One said: "We saw about six police cars, they were there for hours.

"I think a lot of cars were damaged. It has been reported to the police and they are looking into it.

"There were police on the front street in West Auckland after it happened and we were told it was to do with that."

A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “This appears to be an isolated incident in which all those involved were known to each other and we are satisfied there is no threat to the wider public.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may be able to help us to come forward”.
Anyone with information, dashcam/CCTV footage is asked to contact Bishop Auckland CID on 101 quoting incident number 275 of September 12."