Southampton residents angry after cars damaged in Lordswood

Residents living in the Lordswood area of the city are ‘absolutely furious’ after a gang of youths smashed up a car before setting it ablaze.

• Masked gang raid Southampton home and steal £10k moped

Witnesses have described seeing “yobos” jumping on the roof of the Vauxhall Astra left in Turnstone Gardens.

The vehicle had some of its windows smashed and the front bumper ripped off.

The car in Turnstone Gardens, Southampton

Locals say it was parked in Turnstone Gardens on New Year’s Eve and vandalised.

Then, on the night of January 1, it was “torched” with a crew from Redbridge Fire Station called to the scene.

Police have since confirmed that an arson investigation is underway.

• Three cars destroyed by fire in Southampton car park - Police suspect arson

One man who wished to remain unnamed due to the fear of reprisals, said: “We saw yobos jumping all over it.”

“I phoned the police up.”

Referring to the night of January 1, he said: “There were flames coming out of the back of the car, so we immediately rung the fire brigade.

“The yobos turned up the next night again.

“They ripped the bumper right off.”

The Vauxhall Astra had its windows smashed

Meanwhile, Ian Biondani has complained of anti-social behaviour in the Lordswood area and how neighbours have been targeted by youths for speaking out.

The 47-year-old IT expert said: “It’s becoming the normal which is wrong.

“It’s just been a nightmare the last couple of years.”

Taking to social media to vent their anger, residents took to social media concerting damage to their cars in Sandpiper Road and nearby streets.

Ian Biondani

Speaking to a Daily Echo reporter, Alex Moore told how her wing mirror was ripped off.

The 52-year-old lawyer said: “I was furious. Absolutely furious. Just really disappointed as well because it’s the first day of the new year and someone’s come out mindlessly damaging cars. What pleasure do they get from that? How is that fun?”

However, she added: “Nothing is going to happen. I’ve reported it online for what it’s worth but there’s no point.

“Police will not come out.

“They’re just sticking two fingers up at the law.

Damage to Alex Moore's wingmirror

“I’d like them to be caught and I’d like them to understand what they’re doing is wrong and the consequences it has on me. I pay my taxes; I work full-time and that’s going to cost me £500.”

Inspector Sarah Nicholson from the Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing team said “We know that anti-social behaviour causes misery to local communities which is why we are doing everything we can to tackle this behaviour.

“We are listening to the concerns raised by communities and our officers continue to carry out dedicated patrols as often as possible in the areas that need it the most, including the Lordswood area.

• Anti-social behaviour near tower block 'completely out of hand'

“We are also working with partners to look at ways we can prevent young people from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and making the decision to go out and cause harm in their neighbourhood. This includes working with secondary schools, youth services and the community safety team to help divert young people away from crime and reduce incidents.

'Shame on the parents': Man catches moped gang breaking into garages

“We often hear that there is little point in reporting anti-social behaviour as the police will be far too busy. That is not the case. Every report of anti-social behaviour is assessed to identify instances and areas where we need to focus our resources. For this reason, we continue to urge people to report incidents to us when they take place. People can do this by calling 101 or by reporting online.”

Anyone who witnessed the incidents is urged to call police on 101 quoting 44220001801.