Criminals slash all four tyres on more than 40 vehicles in Kettering

Tyres have been slashed on a number of cars

Criminals have slashed the tyres on 45 vehicles across Kettering and left a graffiti message saying 'Slash Challenge'.

Northamptonshire Police said the criminals had slashed all four tyres on 40 cars at Beddows Motors, Green Lane; a car and Potbelly Brewery van in Chestnut Avenue; a Renault Traffic Van in Wallis Road; and two vehicles at Averil Phillips and Family in Station Road.

All of the vehicles were slashed overnight between Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23.

Police said the criminals left a graffiti note at Averil Phillips that said: "Slash challenge."

One of the affected people said it read: "Challenge completed #Slash".

In Chestnut Avenue, a van belonging to Potbelly Brewery was targeted. Caroline Johnson, whose husband is one of the partners of Potbelly, said: "I went out to do my recycling and my neighbour shouted across that I had a couple of flat tyres on my van.

"I had a look and thought, I haven't got a couple, I've got four flat tyres."

Initially they thought it was just kids messing around but then they noticed their car on a driveway had also been slashed.

Caroline said: "They had been slashed with a knife."

Then they heard about Beddow Motors, which had 40 cars slashed on the same night and Averil Phillips which had two vehicles targeted.

A member of staff at Averil Phillips said: "It was eight tyres, it cost about £1,500 to replace.

"It was the car we use to collect anyone if we get called in the night. Fortunately, that didn't happen.

"It's just inconsiderate and selfish."

Northamptonshire Police are advising residents to check their tyres before driving.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has any information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

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