THE AA has told motorists across the Thames Valley and South East they are being hit by a tyre-slashing scourge, leading to hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

One job in every 33 attended by AA tyre fitters in the region involves replacing vandalised tyres.

And apart from the occasions when culprits are caught on CCTV, most victims are defenceless and face bills of hundreds of pounds.

Tyre slashers often target particular types of motorists, such as 4x4 drivers or commuters taking up residential parking.

David Goodyear, general manager of AA Tyre Fit, said: "We advise all motorists who have their tyres deliberately slashed or punctured to report the incidents to the police, who are more likely to react to a spate of attacks than occasional complaints.

"Putting the car in a garage, if you have one, offers the best protection, and neighbourhood watch schemes may deter vandals who perceive a greater risk of being spotted. However, most car owners are defenceless.

“The ultimate deterrent is the potential threat of a manslaughter charge, if a tyre slasher's actions lead to an accident and the death of someone in the car. Unfortunately, that probably never enters the culprit's mind."

Joanne Hill, AA behavioural scientist, believes people's readiness to commit criminal damage comes from a combination of a breakdown in everyday communication, a preference to get even rather than find a solution, and the perceived inability or unwillingness of the authorities to deal with the source of the grievance.

Cars are also often a symbol of social status and attacking somebody else's pride and joy can be seen as particularly hurtful to the victim.

She says: "Neighbours or local residents often work themselves into a frenzy over something that is little more than an irritation and no real threat - such as someone parking in their favourite spot.

“Unfortunately, there are those who are too ready to go to the extreme instead of trying to seek a peaceful solution to their gripes with neighbours."