by Dan Bloom

Drivers say they are appalled after vandals damaged an astonishing 75 cars in three nights.

The spate of crime began on Thursday, when thieves broke into five cars in Maple Road, Gillingham.

Vandals also smashed the wing mirrors of more than 15 cars in Marlborough Road, Gillingham, on Saturday night.

The worst attack was on Rainham's Parkwood estate. Police have appealed for witnesses after residents claimed 50 cars had their tyres slashed on Thursday night.

Father-of-two Paul Scott, who runs Aerial Solutions from his home in Moyle Close, had a £70 tyre destroyed on his Skoda Octavia.

The 38-year-old said: "We've not confirmed how many there were, but at the last count it was 51 cars.

"It's totally mindless and very weird - every time it's the rear kerbside tyre that's been stabbed, probably with a kitchen knife. The hole's about a centimetre wide.

"Everyone is talking about it in the pub and there were about 15 victims at Parkwood Community Association. My neighbour has a Mini Cooper so he'll have to fork out £150."

Wing mirrors were smashed on Saturday night in Marlborough Road, a route to Medway Maritime Hospital and the Great Lines Heritage Park.

Resident Barry Jones, 55, said: "I saw these two men with their hoods up and asked what they were doing, but they didn't turn around. As I noticed the damage they started running and I shouted 'Run, you rats'. We need CCTV here."

Film-maker and resident Al Carretta, 32, had his BMW 3 Series damaged and his sister Natalie lost the wing mirror from her Peugeot 307.

He said: "Everyone's reacted with the same level of frustration. I've lived here since 2000 and this isn't the first time we've had vandalism, but I can't remember there being quite such a big run of cars being affected."

A resident of Maple Road, who didn't want to be named said: "One lady who is a member of the church had her car broken into and the thief even took jars of jam from inside and some clothes too How low can you get?"

A spokesman for Medway Police said a chainsaw, some boots and insurance documents were among items stolen.

Police have also appealed for information after 16 fog lights were stolen from cars. The thefts have been taking place, mostly from Volkswagens and Audis, in the Hempstead, Rainham and Parkwood areas primarily overnight since February 23.

It is not known whether the incidents were connected.

Have you had your car damaged in the last few days? Contact the newsroom on 01634 227803.