RESIDENTS in Poole have spoken of the “mayhem” caused by a vandal who slashed the tyres of around 50 vehicles during an overnight crime spree.

At 7.50am on Friday, police received a report that at least six vehicles had their tyres slashed in Sheringham Road, Branksome.

Officers attended and a number of other vehicles were also found to be damaged. A number of vehicles in Recreation Road also had their tyres slashed.

Police received further reports of vehicles being damaged in Coy Pond Road and Havelock Road.

It is believed the vehicles were vandalised sometime between 9pm on Thursday and the time of the initial report on Friday morning.

Officers have been carrying out increased patrols in the area to offer reassurance and to take details of the vehicles involved.

The incident has caused “considerable inconvenience” to residents, according to police.

A number of people affected told the Daily Echo they had been unable to get to work the next day.

One Coy Pond Road resident, who did not want to be named, said two of his truck’s tyres had been slashed.

“Whoever did this wanted to cause mayhem for some reason. Recovery trucks and the AA were collecting vehicles all day.”

Another resident said two of his cars, a Nissan Micra and a Vauxhall Meriva, had been vandalised.

“It’s a mindless thing to do, and the area they covered was quite extensive. I didn’t hear anything, but a neighbour told me the next morning.

“I’m retired but it’s been very difficult for young people with families or people getting to work,” he said.

Police Constable Lizzy Renshaw, of Poole police, is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact police.

“The offenders have clearly targeted a large number of vehicles and this has resulted in considerable inconvenience to local residents,” she said.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries in the area to try and identify those responsible and I would appeal to anyone with any information that can assist our investigation to contact police.

“We would also like to hear from anyone whose vehicle has been damaged and has not yet reported it to us,” she added.

Nick Hall at the Kwik Fit depot in Bear Cross said the cost to get the tyres replaced would run into thousands of pounds.

He said: “If tyres have been slashed, they can’t be repaired, they would need to be replaced, and it depends on the size of the tyre and the vehicle.

“They can cost between £70 and £150 so for 50 vehicles that would run into the thousands.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180039538. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.