AN Evesham business has put up a £1,000 reward after vandals went on the rampage.

Tyres were slashed and windscreens were smashed on trucks at paper recycling company Betta Bedding, in Offenham Road, Evesham, between 5.30pm last Sunday and 5am on Monday.

A Leyland DAF lorry, two Ford transits and a Dennis refuse lorry all had their tyres slashed, while windscreens were smashed on two of the vehicles, with the total damage estimated at about £2,000.

Recycling and operations manager Simon Potter said that the company, which carries out about 15,000 private collections a week from Vale households, was continuing its collections despite its fleet being drastically reduced.

He said: "We've had a few minor things like diesel going missing, but this is the first time any real criminal damage has occurred.

"It's just mindless vandalism and because of this we're now a couple of vehicles short for collection and we'll have to work really hard now to catch up."

He said on Monday that the company hoped to have the damaged vehicles back in operation yesterday (Wednesday).

Kim Stain, West Mercia Constabulary press officer, said police were appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01905 723888, quoting c/579542 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.