Resident’s “heartbreak” as vandals repeatedly target cars in same street
Local resident Robin Eastaugh has been one of many victims of car vandalism on Staithe Road, Bungay.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Vandals who are repeatedly damaging parked cars in the same Bungay street have been branded “horrible” and “mindless” by their victims.
Staithe Road, Bungay has seen a spate of car vandalism.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Residents of Staithe Road have been subjected to months of persistent, systematic vandalism with cars being scratched, windscreen wipers bent and wing mirrors smashed.
Robin Eastaugh has lived on the road for more than 40 years and has been targeted on multiple occasions.
The 77-year-old said: “Me and my wife have had both our cars scratched – they scratched all the way along the door.
Staithe Road, Bungay has seen a spate of car vandalism.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
“It’s just terrible, I was heartbroken.”
“My whole door will have to be resprayed – it’s going to cost three or four hundred pounds.
“What pleasure they (the vandals) get out of it I don’t know.”
Staithe Road, Bungay has seen a spate of car vandalism.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
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He added: “I can’t see that we can stop it. There is a police shortage and there are never any about.
“By the time they get here the people doing it have fled.”
There is no off-road parking available for residents so they are forced to park on the street.
Staithe Road, Bungay has seen a spate of car vandalism.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has lost her insurance excess due to the damage caused to her car.
She said: “It is never safe on the road but there is no other option. It’s just mindless and we are left picking up the tab.
“It has got a lot worse there’s no doubt about it.”
She added: “It’s just horrible. Unless they put more police on the beat it will continue.”
The latest incident occurred between 10pm and 11pm on Thursday, March 15. An offender used a sharp item to scratch the paintwork of a red Ford Fiesta.
Police believe the offence is linked to a number of similar incidents in Staithe Road and would like to speak to a man seen in the vicinity of the vehicle.
He is described as white and around 5ft 9in tall. He was wearing all dark clothing and a black puffer jacket. The stitching of the jacket was in the shape of an upside down V.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw any suspicious behaviour should contact Lowestoft police station on 101, quoting crime reference 37/14290/18 or call the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
