A BALL bearing shot from a gun or a catapult was used to smash a house window as police step up patrols in the wake of an arson attack and damage spree.

The latest attack happened at a house in Ladywood between Droitwich and Fernhill Heath as vandals using the ball bearing to smash a double glazed window on Thursday night into Friday morning.

Also on that night, three cars were damaged (a Volkswagen, Suzuki and a Peugeot) in Wyche Road, Malvern. In each case the driver’s side windows were smashed but nothing was stolen.

Police continue to investigate a spate of criminal damage across parts of Worcestershire, particularly targeting cars, some of which have involved arson attacks using lighter fluid.

Officers estimate the ‘random’ attacks have cost ‘tens of thousands of pounds.’

The arsons peaked on Thursday, March 21 overnight into Friday, March 22 but more attacks involving broken windows happened on Monday into Tuesday of last week.

Attacks have been reported in Worcester, Malvern, Claines, Fernhill Heath, Tibberton, Crowle, Flyford Flavell, Naunton Beauchamp, Himbleton, Powick, Droitwich, Pinvin, Broadwas, Broughton Hackett and Upton.

We reported last week how 39 cars were targeted - though the vast majority of the attacks have not involved arson. However, nine have involved fires beings started in cars in Himbleton, Crowle, Claines, Tibberton, Flyford Flavell, Naunton Beauchamp and Pinvin.

Wheelie bins and rubbish in the road were also set alight in Grafton Flyford. Previously a window was smashed in a house in Ladywood and glass was smashed in a window in Offerton, Hindlip.

Officers are keeping an open mind as to whether these cases are linked and are stepping up patrols in the areas where attacks have occurred.

West Mercia Police is renewing the appeal for information from the public, particularly if they have CCTV footage of any of the attacks or have information which can identify any individuals or vehicles involved.

DI Dave Knight said: “We are upping our patrols during the times these offences are happening, targeting areas where offences have already happened and using intelligence to predict where they will go next.”

Those with information can call police on 101 or 999 if the crime is underway.