A CAR crime spike has hit St John's with vehicles broken into and others vandalised, causing 'hundreds of pounds worth of damage'. 

West Mercia Police do not believe the theft from cars and the criminal damage to vehicles in the west of the city is linked at this stage.

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The vandalism, which took place on Sunday night, has involved cars being keyed and wing mirrors being damaged or knocked off in the west of the city.

The matter has been reported to West Mercia Police says one resident, who does not wish to be identified.

It comes as a senior city detective has reported a fall in crime in the WR5 area following recent arrests as officers acted on information provided by the community.

However, there has been an upsurge in crime in St John's which has now become the focus of police activity because of thefts from cars.

A resident, who wished to be anonymous, also said there had been a recent spate of vandal attacks on cars in Ingles Drive in St John’s although West Mercia Police is not linking the two sets of offences.

The resident said on Monday: "There has recently been a spate of parked cars being vandalised.

"One night, many wing mirrors were kicked off and many cars are being scratched with a sharp object causing hundreds of pounds of damage - the latest incident occurring tonight.

"Residents are now in the process of installing cameras to capture the mindless idiot or idiots who are deliberately doing this."

DI Dave Knight, of pro-active CID, said of the thefts from cars: "We are now focusing proactive resources in the St John's area where over the weekend we have seen a rise in vehicle crime.

"We have seen thefts in Middle Road, Whites Road, Henwick Road, Oldbury Road, Henwick Avenue and Rushwick. It appears that insecure vehicles are being targeted. Just double-check your vehicles are locked. Any suspicious sightings please call us."

DI Knight said the thefts involved a combination of the suspect or suspects trying car door handles and breaking into vehicles. 

He advised the public to call West Mercia Police on 101 to report any vehicle crime but to call 999 if a crime was in progress.