Further attacks on vehicles have prompted police to make a fresh appeal to the public to help them track down the culprits, writes Ben Lloyd.

In Wolvercote, Oxford, car windows and lights have been smashed, tyres slashed, house windows broken by stones and there have even been reports of engine oil being poured over the front doors of homes.

At the end of last week, several car tyres were slashed and firefighters had to put out two fires after vehicles were set alight,

Thames Valley Police say 12 vehicles have been damaged in the area since the New Year, and Wolvercote Green is the worst affected part.

On January 13, one elderly man picking his wife up from the the Royal British Legion in Ulfgar Road returned to his Austin Allegro to find its side windows and lights smashed in.

He said he called the police and had to wait for two-and-a-half hours before they arrived.

The Upper Wolvercote Residents Association called a meeting last week to discuss new ways of protecting their property.

A car belonging to Joan Wheare, 85, of Wolvercote Green, a member of the residents' association, was broken into.

Two of her tyres were slashed, the lock on her car broken and her disabled parking badge was stolen. She described the crime in the area as a "tax on living here".

Stephen Goddard, ward councillor for Wolvercote, said he was aware of the problems and would be discussing them with the area beat officer.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents should contact the Oxford crime desk on 01865 266333, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.