Dozens of villagers and two police officers attended a meeting last week called by a Chapel Street resident, and several ideas were put forward to try to catch or deter vandals.

Chairman Frankie Spray said: "Sadly, vandalism in Wellesbourne is an ongoing problem, but some good resolutions were made at the meeting, and the police officers gave some very positive ideas of things people can do.

"All the residents agreed to display neighbourhood watch stickers on their cars and in their houses. That does not seem a big issue in itself but the more you show that an area is well protected, the less these things will happen."

Mrs Spray said the possibility of having private closed-circuit television in the more vulnerable spots was discussed, as well as the need for the council to improve street lighting in those areas.

She said: "The Dovehouse Estate and Chapel Street areas have had a lot of car vandalism - Chapel Street is a particularly dark and narrow street.

"It has definitely been proved in the past that criminals are deterred in areas that are vigilantly watched."

The police officers promised that there would be extra patrols over Easter weekend as the holiday usually proves to be a popular time for vandalism.

Mrs Spray urged residents to contact the police in the first instance about any crime or vandalism.

She said: "We as a group can help to deter criminals but we have got to stress that people have to ring the police as soon as possible. The police have confirmed that if somebody is attacking a person's car, they can ring 999."

Wellesbourne police can be contacted on 01789 414111. Mrs Spray can be contacted on 841819 or via email at:

frankiespray@aol.com.