LEADERS have hit out at vandals who damaged four cars in Romsey at the weekend - with one councillor claiming a group is bent on causing "mayhem through the town".
It is believed a wing mirror was knocked off a Peugeot 108 and three other cars were damaged in Station Road between 2.20pm and 2.25pm on Saturday (April 3).
It was reported a group of around six to eight young people were spotted on the road at that time.
Town and borough councillor Dorothy Baverstock was frustrated to hear the news, believing there is a small gang in Romsey determined to cause havoc.
She said: "It is not the first time this has happened, because it was not long ago there was some vandalism on Station Road.
"I think this is one of the real dangers of having parking on road, because if it is dark and no one is around people will walk around and vandalise mirrors.
"I find at the moment there is a small group of people bent on causing problems in Romsey, but I am sure their energy could be used much more productively than vandalising cars and causing mayhem through the town."
Ms Baverstock stressed Hampshire police could crackdown on anti-social behaviour by introducing a dispersal order.
She explained: "I am sure the police could introduce a dispersal order and then parents, sadly, would become aware of who would have to pay for the damage."
County and town councillor Mark Cooper said he hopes the police tackle this crime quickly, stressing the force has to think about how anti-social behaviour impacts victims in the future.
He explained: "I do hope that Hampshire Constabulary take these reports very seriously, because these acts of vandalism may seem minor in terms of police priority, but in terms of people's quality of life it is a very major thing.
"If your property is damaged through vandalism that alters your attitude towards other people, your town and street and that has a major impact on your quality of life."
Anyone who was in the area at the time, has CCTV or dashcam footage that could help the police's investigation should phone 101 and reference 44210125780.
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