POLICE are investigating after nine residents across Northallerton had car windows smashed and property damaged in a night of destruction.

One woman, who did not want to be named and whose car was written off, said people only discovered the damage last Friday morning when they went out to their cars. A brick column on their fence wall had been pushed over onto a car and bricks used to smash windows and lights on vehicles.

She added: “It was really upsetting, my husband’s car was parked on the drive, his car was damaged when the column was pushed over onto it, then four bricks were used on my car smashing through the front windscreen, the side passenger window and the rear passenger side. My car has been written off by the insurance company. I didn’t hear anyone in the night but it happened around 1am on Friday.

“Next door but one, a disabled van was damaged with the back window smashed. One gentleman apparently gave chase but lost them and then heard windows being smashed. We understand nine vehicles and several house windows were damaged around The Crescent, Patterson Crescent and Greenhowsyke Lane area.

"It is awful, you just don’t expect this in a town like Northallerton. I had to rely on neighbours for lifts to work, it’s really bad.”

A police spokesperson said officers were called just before 1am on Friday, April 22 to reports of damage to a property. On arrival officers were made aware of further instances of damage to vehicles and properties in the same area. Officers arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage. He has since been interviewed and released under investigation.

David Hunter, Chief Inspector for Hambleton and Richmondshire, said: “This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no cause for community alarm. Following the incident neighbourhood policing officers have engaged with residents in the area to provide reassurance.”

Police have asked that anyone with information that can assist the investigation contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220067597. If people want to remain anonymous, they can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.