VANDALS went on a car crime spree in Trowbridge on Tuesday leaving a trail of destruction along nine different streets.

At least 26 cars are thought to have had tyres slashed in the latest of a series of incidents in the Newtown area that have led to fears of vigilante action.

Sgt Steve Jones of Trowbridge police said: "There are a number of incidents of reported criminal damage in the area, but this is by far the worst to date."

Six cars were damaged in the West Wiltshire District Council car park in Mortimer Street and the vandals then moved through Newtown, Gloucester Road, Rock Road, Wesley Road, Bond Street, Frome Road, Rock Road and Pitman Avenue, targeting three or four cars in each street.

The problem in this area of town, particularly in Newtown and Gloucester Road, has become so bad there are fears residents could take matters into their own hands.

Town councillor Jeff Osborn said: "People use these roads on their way home from the town centre and people living there have nowhere to park apart from on the road. Cars are being perpetually damaged, so much so I am concerned about vigilante action."

Cllr Osborn said angry residents have told him they are tempted to go after the culprits themselves if nothing is done about the problem.

Insp Glynn Hookings, of Trowbridge police, said: "We are against any sort of vigilante action and we are doing all we can."

The police have stepped up patrols in the area and have made a number of arrests, but for public disorder offences rather than criminal damage.

Insp Hookings believes it is possible drunken revellers are not responsible for all the crimes.

"It is dangerous to assume all this crime is being committed by groups of youths and people from out of the area," he said.

"Due to the ongoing parking issues there are residents up there who are unhappy with the problems it causes with obstructions and there may be residents there who have already taken the law into their own hands."

Insp Hookings is encouraging people to set up neighbourhood watch schemes, get involved with residents' associations and report anything suspicious to the police or Crimestoppers.

"It is about reducing anonymity for those committing the crimes, with people in the communities working together and with us to look after each other."