THOUSANDS of pounds of damage has been caused to parked vehicles in Tadcaster and surrounding villages overnight, police have confirmed.

In the early hours of today (May 6) a large number vehicles parked on the roadside have had their windscreens smashed and other damage caused, totalling thousands of pounds in value, police said.

It appears that offenders travelled between York and Tadcaster in a vehicle, damaging parked vehicles in various villages as they passed through.

Police have received reports of damaged vehicles from Copmanthorpe, Bishopthorpe, Appleton Roebuck, Oxton, Colton, and Tadcaster – but officers said it is likely that other vehicles have been damaged and have not yet been discovered by the victims.

Sergeant Rob Campbell, of Selby Police, said: “We recognise that vehicles are often one of the most expensive items people own, and are a necessity for day-to-day life in rural areas, so we have a number of officers investigating these senseless offences.

“We are appealing to the community for any information that would assist us in our investigation. If you live in the areas affected, please check your vehicles for any damage.

"Many vehicles appear to have had rocks thrown at them, but less noticeable damage caused where the rock has hit body panels instead of glass.

“Please also check any CCTV, dashcams and video doorbells for suspicious activity between midnight and 4am, particularly any vehicles passing by that look out of place.”

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting log number 47 of May 6.