A SPATE of tyre slashing and loutish behaviour in a Basingstoke neighbourhood has prompted a call for police to crack down on anti-social behaviour with the "full force" of the law.

Paul Harvey, a Norden borough councillor, has spoken out after six cars had their tyres slashed in Sherborne Road on February 17.

He labelled those responsible as "idiots" and said vandalism in the area was "getting out of hand".

"This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable," he said.

"Imagine waking up in the morning to go to work only to find your car had been attacked in such a callous manner. It's disgusting.

"I want the police to come down hard on those responsible, with the full force of the law

"Many people use Sherborne Road as a short cut into town and the general anti-social behaviour along that street is getting out of hand. I'm very supportive of the police and they are doing a fantastic job, but this simply isn't good enough."

Cllr Harvey, who is the prospective Labour parliamentary candidate for Basingstoke, said he had tried to contact the residents who had been targeted, but added that many were reluctant to talk for fear of victimisation.

"It comes to something in this day and age when people, especially victims of crime, are too afraid to speak," he said.

Area beat officer Pc Andy Steele, of Basingstoke police, said: "For so many cars to be attacked on such a wide scale on a Thursday night is unusual."

"Vandalism is an ongoing problem, which we are working hard to address.

"I would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in Sherborne Road on the night to contact me.

"I would also be happy to talk to anyone living in the area about their concerns."

Anyone who can help the police inquiry is asked to call Pc Steele on 0845 045 45 45.