A COUNCILLOR has warned car owners to be more vigilant after several reports of vandalism in Battenhall.

Louise Griffiths said the issue “seems to be becoming a common occurrence” over the past few weeks and encouraged residents in her ward to report such incidents to police by calling 101.

Three young males were seen jumping up and down on the roof of a car in Evendine Close at around 4pm on August 2 before running off with a group, all aged between 12 and 16, with some on bicycles.

Asked if she believes the spree could be related to children being off school for the summer, Councillor Griffiths did not like to say.

However, referring to the above incident, she said: "You’d hope teenagers of a certain age would know better."

The councillor said there were car thefts, vandalism and burglaries last year in the area.

A SmartWater scheme, in which residents are given special kits to protect their homes being targeted by criminals, could soon, added Cllr Griffiths.

Ways to ease crime in Battenhall will be further discussed at a Partners and communities together (PACT) meeting in September. These are regular meetings organised jointly between Safer Neighbourhood Teams, councillors and partners, and are open to the public.

Cllr Griffiths said: “If possible, keep your car parked in your garage but if you are leaving your car on the street, make sure valuables are not on display and your car is locked.” She added that future plans for London Road to become a no parking zone could force more cars onto side streets creating more issues.