A SECOND tyre-slashing spree in the space of a month was carried on people s cars across Saffron Walden.

A SECOND tyre-slashing spree in the space of a month was carried on people's cars across Saffron Walden last week.

Almost �1000 worth of damage was caused to seven vehicles in the town centre area - some of which were parked in driveways - between last Monday and Good Friday.

The incident follows a similar outbreak of vandalism which started overnight on Sunday March 14 and saw 16 cars get one or more of their tyres punctured.

In this latest series of attacks, most of which happened overnight last Tuesday, vehicles parked on Gibson Way, Gibson Close and Gibson Gardens were again targeted by the vandals.

A Peugeot 206 parked on Gibson Way had one tyre slashed which will cost about �50 to replace. About �150 worth of damage was caused to a Ford Galaxy on Gibson Close when two of its tyres were punctured. And the owner of a silver Rover on Gibson Gardens is facing a bill of �50 after one tyre was slashed.

Other areas in the town which were hit include Fairycroft Road where a white Fiat lost a �150 tyre and Margaret Way where a blue Vauxhall Vectra also had one tyre slashed causing about �80 worth of damage.

In Gold Street a Nissan Navara had two tyres punctured, causing about �360 worth of damage, and on Newcroft a silver Saab also faced damage to two of its tyres, this time costing �120.

Saffron Walden police have described the incidents as "mindless vandalism in the extreme" which have put people at risk when they have driven off on punctured tyres.

Although officers remain tight lipped about what action is being taken over these crimes they have assured the public that a lot of work is "going on behind the scenes" and they are confident of making an arrest.

Saffron Walden Town councillor, Richard Freeman, said: "The police claim that we are in a low crime area, but it doesn't alter the fact that we want it to stay that way.

"At least one of these roads, Gibson Way, has its street lights turned out at night and this has to make it easier for vandals to carry out these crimes."

Anyone with information can contact Saffron Walden Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.