Christmas decorations vandalised in Whiteley with residents blaming youths with 'bladed weapons'

Police received reports of three properties in Thyme Avenue and one in John Bunyan Close having their Christmas decorations targeted by vandals.

One resident of Thyme Avenue, who asked not to be named, said he saw four youths loitering near his property before the Christmas lights in his front garden went out.

On inspection, the homeowner discovered that the wiring had been cut with a sharp object.

The 44-year-old said: ‘There were three nippers and one on a bike.

‘We were keeping an eye out. Then one of them really brazenly went up to the house and out of view, and the lights went off.

‘It’s not really important in regards of the light, but it is worrying that kids are going around with sharp weapons, because I could have gone after them.

‘Who knows what would have happened.’

Police have spoken to residents and have asked for anyone with information to come forward, according to a spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary.

It is believed all the incidents occurred on the evening of November 22.

He said: ‘I can confirm we received a number of reports that the wires to Christmas lights had been cut at addresses on Thyme Avenue and John Bunyan Close.

‘Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police on 101.’

It follows a spate of anti-social behaviour hitting the area last month, with police arresting three teenagers in connection with a string of thefts and an assault on a 17-year-old boy at a Co-op in Yew Tree Drive.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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