Victoria LeggettA crackdown by police to put a stop to a string of vehicle damage in Aylsham has seen the number of incidents cut.Victoria Leggett

A crackdown by police to put a stop to a string of vehicle damage in Aylsham has seen the number of incidents cut.

Officers from the town's safer neighbourhood team (SNT) began targeting the problem after a number of drivers became victims of vandals at the end of 2009.

Since then, extra high-visibility patrols at key times and locations, targeting suspects and making two key arrests have led to significant reduction in the damage reported.

From November 1 to December 31 there were 27 reports of vehicle damage - 14 tyres were slashed and deflated, one car was dented, 10 vehicles had paintwork scratched and two windscreens were smashed.

The majority of offences affected Aylsham people leaving their vehicles in St Williams Lanes, Howard Way, Sir William Lane and Forster Way.

Following the police crack down there were only two reported incidents of damage from January 1 to February 5.

Sgt Clive Beeson said: 'Our direct and focused efforts to deal with the spate of vehicle damage, which affected many vehicle owners, have proven successful and residents should feel reassured that we have disrupted and prevented further incidents in the neighbourhood.'

Dealing with and preventing incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles was adopted as one of the three neighbourhood priorities at the Aylsham priority setting meeting held last December.

They will be reviewed on Monday February 22 at 7pm at The Jubilee Centre, Norwich Road, Aylsham.

To contact the Aylsham SNT call 0845 456 4567 or e-mail sntaylsham@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.