Arrests after cars' tyres slashed

Vehicles in around 10 streets suffered slashed tyres

Four men have been arrested after more than 60 vehicles had their tyres slashed in the village of Trevethin, near Pontypool, south Wales.

Residents living in 10 different streets woke on Friday morning to find their cars had been vandalised.

Gwent Police scenes of crimes officers have visited many of the victims and have said they are taking the incidents "very seriously".

The men aged 18, 19, 24 and 35 are being questioned at Abergavenny.

Chief Superintendent Paul Symes said it had had "a huge impact on the lives of law-abiding residents".

We make a plea for people to come forward with evidence of what they have seen or what they believe to be going on and we will do the rest Dave Jeremiah, Torfaen Community Safety Partnership

He described the crimes as "callous and mindless".

"It is totally unacceptable and the perpetrators need to be caught," added Chief Supt Symes.

Inspector Jo Bull, from Pontypool police station, urged people to come forward to help catch those responsible.

"We have every confidence that these criminals will be caught, however an essential element to rid Trevethin of these offenders is support that comes from within the community," she said.

Safe community

Dave Jeremiah, from Torfaen's Community Safety Partnership, said it had been targeting the area for some time.

"We can only continue this work with the help of the community and we make a plea for people to come forward with evidence of what they have seen or what they believe to be going on and we will do the rest."

He said the council would soon be installing CCTV in the area.

People with any information about the incidents have been asked to call Pontypool police station on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.