Residents furious over Lynemouth car tyre night attacks

Oct 2 2009 by David Black, The Journal

FURIOUS residents in a former pit village are said to be on the verge of revolt following the latest in a series of mindless tyre slashing attacks carried out under the cover of darkness.

Fears are growing that vigilante action could be taken against those suspected of being responsible for the incidents, which have seen hundreds of car tyres damaged in Lynemouth, Northumberland, this year.

In the latest incident, scores more vehicles had their tyres punctured in the early hours yesterday – with some victims being hit for the third or fourth time since January.

The Northumbria Police helicopter hovered over the seaside village early yesterday after owners discovered the damage, and then told neighbours whose vehicles had also been targeted. Police officers were out in the streets and back lanes assessing the damage and talking to angry owners.

Lynemouth has suffered from a plague of night-time vandalism attacks since the turn of the year, and there have been several major incidents of tyre slashing.

More than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage or conspiracy to damage property, but no one has been charged so far.

In May senior police officers attended a meeting in the village to assure people that everything possible was being done to put a stop to the incidents and prosecute those responsible.