AN IPSWICH man whose car was destroyed by yobs today said he will face a hefty bill after losing his 26-year no claims bonus.
AN IPSWICH man whose car was destroyed by yobs today said he will face a hefty bill after losing his 26-year no claims bonus.
The man, who did not wish to be named, said his treasured Ford Fiesta will probably be written off by insurers after a gang of youths jumped on its roof and bonnet.
The 52-year-old, who lives in south-west Ipswich, was visiting a home in Clapgate Lane when the vandals attacked his car and staved in the bonnet.
He said: “I always put my car in the garage at home. I have had it from new so was its one careful owner.
“I always park it in the corner of the car park when I go to the gym or supermarket so it doesn't get a knick on it.
“This is going to cost me £100 in excess but I have been a driver for 26 years and have never made a claim - this puts my no claims bonus up the spout.”
The man said his partner was alerted to a group of about 20 males and females in their late teens to early 20s causing a disturbance in Clapgate Lane at about 9.30pm on Saturday .
They did not realise what was happening until they returned to the P-registration Fiesta and discovered the bonnet and roof damaged.
They alerted police who searched the area and took footprints from the vehicle.
A repair company has estimated the damage to the car at about £1,000 and said it could be written off because of its age.
The victim, who teaches at an Ipswich school, said the car had only been involved in one collision before but he had not been his fault and he had kept his no claims bonus.
He said he may now have to eat into his savings to fund the cost of a new car and the added insurance premiums.
He was hoping to use that money for his retirement.
He said: “This is the last thing I need at the moment. I have been suffering with sciatica for months and I am in agony with that.”
Anyone with information about the offence should call Pc Steve Bright at Ipswich police on 01473 613500.
Have you been targeted by yobs? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
Weblinks: www.suffolk.police.uk; www.eveningstar.co.uk/news
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