DORSET Police have launched witness appeals following a spate of vandalism in Weymouth and Portland.

In Dorchester, a 71-year-old man was arrested following reports that between 20 and 30 cars had allegedly been damaged on Cambridge Road and Louise Road.

In Weymouth, residents said they were ‘angry and annoyed’ after two homes on the harbourside had their windows smashed in an overnight raid.

Following the incidents Dorset Police launched appeals for more information.

Police were called to the county town shortly after 11am yesterday after receiving reports that a man was allegedly walking up the road scratching cars.

A 71-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the incident and is helping police with their enquiries.

It is believed that up to 30 cars have been damaged in the spree, including a blue BMW X1, a Hundai Gets, a red Nissan Qashqai, a blue Peugeot 207, a black Vauxhall Zafira and a red Renault Laguna.

Inspector Steve Marsh from Dorset Police said: "Police were called to Cambridge Road following reports of a male seen to be damaging parked cars.

"A search of the area revealed that up to 30 vehicles may have been damaged. Local police immediately carried out a street search and approximately one hour later a male believed to have been involved was stopped and arrested.

"He is currently helping us with our enquires. The investigation is currently in its early stages and I would ask any witnesses who have not yet passed their details to police to call 101 and quote incident number 29:147 if they feel they can help us."

In Weymouth, harbourside residents, said they were ‘angry and annoyed’ to find vandals had smashed two of their windows on Nothe Parade.

Dorset Police said the two windows were smashed overnight between 9pm on Sunday and 9am on Monday.

Jane Tutill said she was upstairs when her window pane was smashed. She said: “I feel angry. It’s an absolute pain, I now have to sort it out. It’s absolutely dreadful.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough councillor John Birtwistle lives next door and one of the windows in his down stair windows was smashed in the attack.

He said: “I’ve lived here for nearly 15 years and I have never had any problems at all.

“It’s an irritation- an annoyance.”

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch on 101 quoting incident number 29-105.

Following recent alleged criminal damage to the roundhouse at the Prince of Wales School in Dorchester, police have formally interviewed five youths.

The youths, aged between 10 and 13-years-old, have been spoken to regarding the incident and the police have said the matter will now be reviewed and it is likely to be referred on to the Youth Offending Team who will decide an appropriate outcome in due course.

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