A case of mistaken identity has landed a Poole businessman with a whopping £3,000 repair bill for his 4x4.

Allen Saunders had paint thrown over his Lexus and his garage door after a neighbour had moved along teenagers drinking outside their houses.

In a second attack, Mr Saunders then had a long scratch etched into the back of his 4x4 as it sat outside his home in Barber’s Gate on Thames Street.

Police told Mr Saunders they believe the youths had come back for revenge but picked on the wrong resident.

“The fear is it will continue,” said Mr Saunders.

“That is how it feels.

“My neighbour isn’t convinced it’s the same people but the police seem to think it is.”

The youths were drinking around a fountain at Barber’s Gate on August 23 when they were moved on.

Mr Saunders said his vehicle was attacked that night and then again on Monday night.

Cleaning his 4x4 and garage of paint cost more than £2,000, while the repair of the scratch cost around £700.

Mr Saunders said he had been forced to claim both attacks on his insurance.

Barber’s Gate residents are pushing for restricted public access to the complex after a string of unsavoury incidents, ranging from amorous couples using the carport to drug dealing.

The planning inspector is next week due to consider an appeal against the decision to allow pedestrian access through the area.

Dorset Police confirmed two incidents of criminal damage to Mr Saunders’ 4x4 and are appealing for witnesses to either.

Call 01202 222222.