Cars in Ramsgate have been damaged with paint stripper in a wrecking spree by vandals.

Police say that between Sunday lunchtime and 11am yesterday (Monday 22) owners of 13 cars reported boots, bonnets and door panels had been sprayed with a corrosive material.

Two Vauxhall Vectras, two Ford Fusions, a Rover 45, a Peugeot 207, a Vauxhall Corsa and a Volkswagen Golf were targeted in Picton Road. A Volkswagen Fox and Volkswagen Touareg were left damaged in Crescent Road. A Mercedes Benz was sprayed in Grove Road and a Volkswagen Polo and Ford Mondeo in South Eastern Road.

Damage has been estimated at nearly £12,500.

Det Sgt Marcus Whitnell, neighbourhood sergeant for Ramsgate and Broadstairs, said: “We want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious during that time frame from Sunday into Monday, particularly information about people in possession of cans or bottles.

“Have you sold anyone unusually large quantities of paint stripper or have you noticed any containers missing from your garages or sheds?

“Do you have an idea of why someone might want to do this? Whether a mindless prank or premeditated criminal damage, the substance used has potential to be very harmful, with children and pets at risk, as well as being distressing and inconvenient for the owners of the vehicles.

“You may think the information you have is irrelevant, but let us be the judge of that. It could be extremely helpful to the investigation.”

Contact Det Sgt Whitnell by calling Kent Police on 01622 690690 and asking to be put through to him in Ramsgate. If you are deaf or speech-impaired, text 'police’, followed by your message, to 60066.
Neighbourhood officers have been in the area in Ramsgate conducting house-to-house inquiries. Anyone with any concerns or information can also speak with PCs Dave Ward and Jason Veasey on 07980 770684 and 07772 226192 respectively.