VANDALS damaged almost 50 cars in a series of overnight crime sprees.

So far police are dealing with 44 reports of vehicle windows being smashed across the Shirley and Romsey areas.

Officers believe vandals may have catapulted marbles and other objects at the parked cars in a drive-by style attack.

The incidents took place overnight on January 2, 3 and 4; with the majority of the offences having taken place during the early hours of January 4.

PC Simon Peacock, said: “I am appealing for information to help trace those responsible for these mindless acts of criminal damage. The majority of the damage took place in the Shirley area, with a number having taken place in Romsey.

"These incidents have caused a lot of inconvenience to the victims; particularly to one of the victims who uses her car to transport her teenage daughter who suffers from cerebral palsy.

“An estate type vehicle has been seen being driven in the area at the time of the incidents. It may have been used by the offenders to drive passed the parked cars and throw or catapult objects at them.

“I would like to speak to anyone who may have had their vehicle damaged who has not yet reported it to the police. I would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything that could be linked to these incidents.

Witnesses have reported hearing car alarms sounding, does anyone remember being woken up by a car alarm?”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Simon Peacock by calling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.

The incidents took place in the following roads:

Romsey: - Lee Lane, Romsey; Upper Toothill Road, Rownhams; Horns Drove, Rownhams; Balmoral Way, Rownhams.

Southampton: - Chisholm Close, Cuckmere Lane, Windermere Avenue, Two in Pennine Road, Hill Lane, Three in Aldermoor Avenue, Arnheim Close, Two in Dunkirk Road, Three in Lansdowne Road, Two in Oakley Road, Alder Road, King Edward Avenue, Two in Waterhouse Lane, Conifer Road, Cotswold Road, Dunvegan Drive, Benson Road, Tilbrook Road, Marchwood Road, Kingsley Road, Freshfield Road, Foundry Lane, Two in Teme Crescent, Studland Close, Derwent Road, Logan Close, Two in Sutherland Road, Lower Brownhill Road, Two in Windrush Road.