RESIDENTS in Barry have fallen prey to a spate of car vandalism incidents which have been happening since the beginning of this year.

Vehicle owners have reported the keying of cars, and wing mirror damage.

And police say they have been made of 20 incidents blighting central Barry.

The latest incidents occurred in Dock View Road, Barry, overnight from Monday, February 17 to Tuesday, February 18.

A Dock View Road resident, who was a victim of the vandals, said: “Our neighbour knocked to inform us this morning (Tuesday, February 18), that all three of our cars had been damaged.

“Both of our cars and his own.

“It was then that both he and my partner checked the other two cars on the block who also had scratches on.

“The other cars had already left for work.

“One of our neighbours said her dog was unsettled at 4am, I was up overnight feeding the baby but didn't hear anything, neither did it alarm our dog.

She added: “It is a massive nuisance.

“My other half had a stroke over new year so is currently off work and I am on maternity leave.

“We just don't have the money to be paying out for selfish people who feel the need to cause damage to our property.

“We only moved into the property last year.

“Both cars are new and we work hard to be able to afford nice things.

“People don't realise the effects of their selfishness.

“They are either oblivious or just don't care what it does to other people and the community.”

Town centre councillor, Ian Johnson raised previous incidents with police at a Barry Town Council meeting on Monday, February 10.

He was informed there had been around 20 incidents in the town centre.

Cllr Johnson said: "It was very sad to see so many smashed car windows in the streets around Holton Road, across a number of streets.

"It's unusual to see such a large amount of car crime like this, as many cars are much better protected than they were.

"Police have told me that they are adding extra patrols to the area and looking through CCTV of the area to identify the culprit.

“I hope that they can catch this person quickly."

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “Police officers in Barry are investigating three reports of vandalism to vehicles parked on Dock View Road overnight between Monday, February 17 and the following morning.

“A number of vehicles have been reported as damaged in the area.”

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious on Dock View Road or neighbouring streets or who may have information which will assist the police in this investigation is asked to call South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111, and quote reference 2000060380.