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WEST Malvern's parish chairman is urging residents not to take the law into their own hands in dealing with noisy or drunken yobs.

Joyce Roberts was speaking following the latest outbreak of vandalism in the village, which saw cars having their wing mirrors broken overnight between Saturday and Sunday.

Residents crowded into the village hall on Monday, angry that they were having to endure such attacks regularly.

Cllr Roberts said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated with the police's seeming inability to curb the attacks.

She said: "They have a genuine grievance. They want something done. People just feel that nothing is being done and they're absolutely fed up with the whole thing. Some people say they're thinking of moving out of the village.

"Somebody rang me and said there's talk that a group of heavies will be out there. I don't want that. I don't want local people getting hurt or getting into trouble."

Kate Dutton, who was at the meeting, said: "We feel we've been completely abandoned by the police, who prefer to contain the problem rather than challenge it.

"Police and other authorities need to be pro-active rather than inactive."

Several attacks have occurred in recent months, with dozens of cars in West Malvern Road being damaged. Police say that in the most recent attack, they received eight reports of damage.

Sgt Sara Goodman said: "Officers would like to assure residents of West Malvern Road that action is being taken and enquiries are ongoing into the incidents.

"We would also like to urge residents to remain vigilant and continue to pull together to work with the police to ensure these mindless vandals are identified and dealt with."

Anyone with information is urged to call 08457 444888.

4:26pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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