Calls have been made for more police patrols after a spate of vandalism.

About 15 incidents of vandalism in Old Marston, Oxford, including damaged cars, broken windows and arson were reported to police in the last week of August.

But the parish council said that on many occasions the police failed to respond and they have called on them to mount patrols to prevent any further damage.

Council chairman Alun Jones said he had been disturbed by the lack of interest. He said: "I know the police are busy, but they are also there to do something.

"My car had a hole smashed in the back window and all I got was a letter from the police asking me if anything had been stolen.

"We have two beat policemen in the area but at the time of the vandalism they were both off sick and there were no replacements," added Mr Jones.

The parish council has written to the police to request extra patrols in the area to prevent a recurrence of the crime-wave and will discuss the situation at their meeting tonight.

Supt Wiz Bunce, of Oxford police, said: "We acknowledge there has been an increase in the amount of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in Old Marston.

"We plan to place more high visibility patrols in the area to combat this problem and we would urge the public to continue reporting any incidents."

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