FAMILIES were today counting the cost of just a few minutes wanton vandalism after more than 20 cars in a quiet village had their tyres slashed.Thugs drove through Kirton in the early hours, stopping at every household where a car had been left outside in the road or a driveway – puncturing the tyres with a sharp knife.

FAMILIES were today counting the cost of just a few minutes wanton vandalism after more than 20 cars in a quiet village had their tyres slashed.

Thugs drove through Kirton in the early hours, stopping at every household where a car had been left outside in the road or a driveway – puncturing the tyres with a sharp knife.

Some families found their vehicles had had not just one, but two or three tyres done – with the total bill for repairs expected to be around £2,500.

It meant some people were today not able to go to work or take their children to school by car as they waited for fresh tyres to arrive.

Felixstowe police sector commander Insp Andy Bushell said: "This is wanton, indiscriminate vandalism and it is not acceptable.

"We are determined to catch those responsible and a number of inquiries are taking place in connection with this damage.

"It appears that someone drove down Bucklesham Road and stopped and attacked every car in that street.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious or was possibly driving through the area at that time and saw people hanging around cars or acting suspiciously."

Newsagent Colin Cope said: "We were very fortunate because they didn't touch our van, otherwise we could not have delivered the papers, but they slashed the tyres on my son David's trailer.

"It is a nightmare for people in the village though. People just cannot believe it. All the cars from somewhere near the school right up to Park Lane appear to have had their tyres done."

The damage is believed to have happened between 3am and 4am on Sunday and police have been carrying out house to house inquiries in the area, gathering information.

Anyone who saw or heard anything, or saw people in a car in Kirton or the surrounding area acting suspiciously is asked to contact Pc Peter Stewart, community police officer for the village, on 01473 613500.