VANDALS who left a trail of damage in ball-bearing gun attack on a used car dealers have been labelled as senseless yobs.

Car windows have been shot out for the second time in ten months at the Vicarage Motor Company in Blunsdon.

And six months ago the firm's second garage in Old Town was also targeted.

The latest ball-bearing strike has sparked calls for the guns to be banned.

The garage's owner Jason Jones, 34, said that the reason vandals have picked them businesses was a mystery.

"I think it must be children," he said. "It's absolutely senseless, these people don't have respect for anything. The only reason I can think of is that cars are easy targets."

About 18 cars have been damaged in the spate of attacks. And bosses were left with a repair bill running into hundred of pounds after eight vehicles, including a VW Sharan and Daihatsu Sportrak, were damaged between 10.30pm on Tuesday and 8am yesterday.

"Windscreens and side windows have all been shot at. When I came in and saw the damage I felt violated," said Mr Jones.

The used car dealers will now review security but in the meantime they are appealing from more help from authorities.

"I think there needs to be a higher police presence to prevent this from happen-ng," said Mr Jones.

Shops, including Swindon Resales, based in Fleet Street, have already sent out a warning to adults not to buy children potentially dangerous ammunition that can be used in air and ball bearing guns.

But Ian Jankinson, 51, vice chairman of Blunsdon Parish Council, said that he would like to see shops taking further steps, including banning BB guns.

"It's a frightening thought that they're being used in a quiet village like Blunsdon," he said. "I think they should be banned for everybody because nobody needs them."

Police spokesman Alvina Kumar said: "Swindon police are urging youngsters to be aware of consequences in relation to the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of ball bearing guns.

"Although BB guns are not currently covered by legislation, the user commits an offence if injury or damage is caused and the police will take appropriate action."

Anyone with information should phone Swindon police 01793 528111.

Legal view

THERE have been serious incidents involving BB guns in Swindon.

One of the worst involved caretaker Andrew Shepherd who was shot in the face with a BB gun in April last year. Had the pellet been two inches higher he would have been blinded.

In the same month, the Adver reported how Charlie, a Persian cat, survived being shot in the head four times with a BB gun in Penhill.

Ball bearing guns, which can look like rifles, shotguns and pistols, can still inflict serious injury. There is no law relating to the possession of toy guns, including BB guns, in public but if someone carrying one puts other people in fear or causes distress, then a criminal offence is being committed.

Police say it is sometimes impossible to tell the difference between a real gun and a replica. People can be arrested for carrying an imitation firearm in a public place without permission.