Vandals hit ten cars in acid attack

Published on Monday 26 January 2009 09:09

VANDALS have used acid to attack a street full of cars in an Edinburgh neighbourhood.

Residents in Findlay Gardens, Craigentinny, have been left counting the cost after around ten vehicles were targeted as part of the crime spree.

It is thought the vandals squirted the acid-like substance from a can or bottle – the same technique that appears to have been used many times before in the street.

And residents have spoken of their fear that they may move on to attacking people if they are not caught.

Local resident Fiona Quinn, 46, found her Nissan had been attacked on Friday morning, along with nine other cars in the street, including a BMW and Range Rover. The nurse discovered paint blistering off the bonnet and the panels – the seventh time it has been vandalised over the last six years.

She said: "It's scary when you get up in the morning and see the damage. What would happen if somebody caught whoever was doing it?

"If they are brave enough to do this to our cars, would they use the acid on us?"

Residents say they have no idea who may be targeting their vehicles, but they are concerned that the nearby golf course and allotments may be being used as a way in and out of the street.

Calls have now been made for police to increase patrols in the area, use partnership working with the council and introduce CCTV – mobile or permanent – in a bid to end the misery.

Craigentinny and Duddingston councillor Ewan Aitken said: "This is not just about damage to vehicles, it is about quality of life.

"This is a good area and this sort of thing can permanently undermine that. It is very hard to build reputations back up again.

"There is a danger that the consequences of this could be far greater than somebody's car insurance going up."

Mr Aitken believes that the police need to work with residents to ensure there is full understanding of what vandalism is being carried out in the area – stressing householders must play their part in ending it.

He said: "People need to know that any bit of information may be vital. This has to be a priority."

It is not the only spate of car vandalism in Edinburgh over the last year.

In December, nine vehicles were scratched along their full length while parked on Meadowhouse Road in Corstorphine overnight.

Police confirmed the most recent attacks in Craigentinny, but were not available for further comment.