A pledge to put more officers on Winchester streets in a bid to crackdown on car vandalism and theft was made this week.

It comes from Inspector Steve France-Sargeant and follows yet another bout of car vandalism in which nearly 30 vehicles were damaged at the weekend.

Affected streets included Clifton Road, Chaundler Road and Stockbridge Road.

The latest spate follows a wave of vandalism at the beginning of June, when 70 cars were damaged in the Wharf Hill, St Swithun Street and College Street areas.

"We will not tolerate this mindless criminal damage in Winchester," said Mr France-Sargeant, who says additional measures will include "more officers on the streets at key times and intelligence gathering.

"We will also be 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 and disorder.

"We are determined to catch those responsible and they should be aware of that."

Inspector France-Sargeant also appealed to the community: "I am sure there are people who know who is responsible for this damage and I urge them to come forward.

"We want to make it clear that we will continue to do everything we can to identify them through robust and targeted policing. But, we still need support from members of the community who could provide us with information."

Anyone who can help police with their investigations should call 0845 045 45 45.

Members of a Winchester bowls club have been left reeling after vandals ran amok on their green, just days after it had been re-seeded.

The damage was caused last weekend at the North Walls recreation ground after yobs jumped over the gates and carved what looked like a football pitch or tennis court on to the newly-planted turf.

The vandalism, at the historic Hyde Abbey Bowls Club, is a bitter irony for members, who have been unable to use the green for the last two years as it had fallen into a state of disrepair.

The club rent the ground from the city council, who agreed to renovate the green at a cost of around £7,000 last year and work began to re-seed a week before the attack.

Honorary club secretary, Denis Marlow, said he was distraught at what he found. "After so much money has been spent and the delay we've had in getting to play I was gutted. I really was."

Mr Marlow discovered the vandalism on Sunday morning at around 11 when he went to check on the club pavilion. He believes that the culprits jumped over one of the three locked gates, which surround the green.

"I don't know what they were thinking of. It's ruined all the hard work that's been done here. They're mindless vandals who have no thought for anyone else."

Recreation officer, Mark Emmerson, spent five hours on Monday repairing the damage.

A spokesman said the city council was very disappointed by the vandalism. "We hope we've managed to repair it in time. It will cost a lot of money if we have to start again."

Mr Marlow said despite his 60 members being able to share facilities with the Friary Bowling Club, in St Michael's Road, Winchester, the club was desperate to be able to get on and play. "Although they have made us feel very welcome, it's not the same as having your own green," he said.

The setback could mean the club facing a further delay before it returns to North Walls. "Every day is vital to getting the job done," said Mr Marlow.

Police are calling for anyone who might have seen anything suspicious at the green between 3pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday to call Crimestoppers on 0845 045 4545.