The majority of incidents – which mainly took place in Eastney, Craneswater, Milton and Central Southsea – involved damage to vehicles caused by someone throwing a stone through the car windows.

Cars were vandalised in Ferry Road, Florence Road, Fawcett Road and Middle Street, Southsea.

Inspector Steve Hutchings said: 'This level of damage is absolutely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.

'I would advise drivers to park their vehicles in well-lit areas and if possible on a driveway or in a garage.

'In the past 10 days there have been 83 incidents of criminal damage.

'I would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed any of these incidents, or who may know who is responsible, to come forward and speak to us so we can find the person or people responsible for this mindless behaviour.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Attwood or Sgt Terrett at Southsea Police Station on 0845 045 4545 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.