CATAPULT-wielding vandals have smashed 65 windows in Salisbury and the surrounding area since October, according to Wiltshire Police.

The news comes days after windows on six parked cars were smashed in Bowerchalke on Monday (January 16).

An identical episode occurred on Rawlence Road on Monday, January 02, and on this occasion a ball bearing was found in the car.

Then on Tuesday, January 03, a house on Hilltop Way was targeted, resulting in a damaged bedroom window.

Salisbury police chief Pete Sparrow said it was likely that the crimes were committed by a group of people, but he didn’t think the victims were targeted.

The inspector said: “The information that we have gathered on these incidents indicates that a group of people, rather than an individual, are involved.

“There doesn’t appear to be a particular motive or pattern to the selection of items; albeit this does not detract from the distress and inconvenience this causes them.”

He then added that the Community Policing Team were very aware of the problem, with action being taken, and arrests having already been made.

But there had been insufficient evidence to prosecute.

Inspector Sparrow urged those with any information to contact the police.

“We need the community to report suspicious activity and to come forward if they have any information on those involved, so we can put a stop to these senseless offences.”

Call Police on 101.