POLICE have renewed an appeal for information following a spate of car vandalism in a market town, in which 12 vehicles were damaged.

Earlier this month, a dozen vehicles in East View, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, were damaged by vandals scratching paintwork.

North Yorkshire Police appealed for information at the time, but the incidents of vandalism have continued.

In the past month, there have been 26 reports of vehicle damage in the town.

The majority of this has been in the vicinity of Valley Road, Lascelles Lane, Linden Road and Prospect View on the Ashlands Estate.

The damage, which is generally caused overnight, consists of large scratches to the paintwork of the vehicles with a coin, key or similar implement.

PC John Trueman of Northallerton safer neighbourhood team, said: "We would really appreciate the public’s assistance in finding out who is responsible for this mindless vandalism.

"It has caused a great deal of inconvenience to the victims and will cost them a lot of money to repair the damage.

"We are determined to put a stop to this and are increasing patrols in the area. In addition I would urge anyone who has any information about cars being damaged in the area to get in touch."

Police say that, in cases such as, this it is vital to the investigation that people share information with them, no matter how insignificant they think it may be.

One small piece of information may be enough to catch the people responsible, say officers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call PC Trueman, on 0845-60-60-24-7, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.