VANDALS have gone on a third late-night car wrecking spree across Winchester in less than two months.

Mindless hooligans kicked, scratched and ripped parts off half a dozen vehicles in a drunken rampage.

It brings the total number of car attacks to more than 100 across the city with the cost of repairs running into tens of thousands of pounds.

Police have pledged to step up patrols in a bid to get tough with the vandals.

One driver was left with a £700 repair bill after vandals

kicked off both his wing mirrors, while two other vehicles had dents and scratches left on them.

These latest attacks add to the misery felt by 100 car owners already this summer, after 70 vehicles were vandalised in one night of madness on June 5, and a further 30 suffered similar fates between July 1 and 4.

One victim was Alan Weeks, chairman of Winchester City Residents Association, whose own car was stolen, set alight and pushed down a hill.

He said: "It's obviously something that has to be brought into check and what we would really like to know is what the police's response is.

"What we would like to see is mobile police patrols along those exit routes from the city used by people who have been out drinking.

"There are far too many problems in Winchester resulting from excessive alcohol drinking and it's about time tougher action was taken."

Another angry victim is Sally Armitage, 31, an administrator from Wharf Hill.

She said: "I can't believe so many cars have been vandalised and it's still happening without anyone getting caught. It's outrageous.

"I'm sure it was drunken youths who did it and because they're drunk they think they can get away with it. The problem in Winchester at the moment is they are getting away with it.

"I think the police should make a big effort to have as many officers on the streets at closing time as possible, because its the only way these hooligans will ever stop."

Another victim, who asked not to be named,added: "It has cost me hundreds of pounds and has left me very angry.

"I want to see more police on the routes back from the pubs in the evening, because if people think they are being watched, they won't act like yobs."

However Acting Inspector Brian Foley insisted more officers and resources were being deployed to combat the problem and promised to catch those responsible.

He said: "We have already taken a number of measures to tackle this kind of mindless criminal damage but we must keep it in perspective as Winchester is an extremely safe place to live and work.

"On average less than one car a day is damaged in the city and incidents like those seen recently, where a high number of vehicles have been targeted in one go, are extremely rare.

"However, we are committed to tackling this area of concern head on. We have already placed more officers on the streets at key times. We have also been making full use of our specially equipped Community Safety vehicle, which is fitted with the latest camera technology to act as a deterrent to those intent on committing crime.

"These measures will continue and those who are committing acts of vandalism should be aware of that.

"We will catch you and we will take action against you."