Police are hunting vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage attacking more than 20 cars in the Merstham area.

The culprits have been smashing the windows of vehicles with stones or bricks.

A Surrey Police spokesman said they had received 22 reports of vehicles being damaged in the area since the beginning of December. Local homes have also been targeted.

Officers believe that all the criminal damage attacks have been carried out by the same culprits.

The Force is appealing for information to help stop the spate.

Merstham Neighbourhood officer PC Kelly Sinclair, said: "The damage the offenders are causing to these vehicles is completely mindless and has put a lot of hard working people out of pocket.”

PC Sinclair said: “At this stage in the investigation we believe that all the incidents are linked and have been carried out by the same group of people. "The offenders are likely to be local and I would appeal to anyone who has seen or heard anything suspicious in the local area, whether they have seen people carrying possible projectiles or have overheard conversations about the damage, to contact officers with information.”

She added: “This kind of behaviour simply will not be tolerated and we need to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.” Four homes, one of which belonged to an elderly lady, have also been targeted by the yobs.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RB/12/10310, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.