A RESIDENT facing a £400 bill for criminal damage to his car is calling on police to act against thieves and vandals in King's Hill, Kempsey.

Alistair Green said the holes made in his rear windscreen on Monday evening followed a spate of theft and vandalism.

A bike had been stolen from his back garden before Christmas, a neighbour had his car stereo stolen and a number of residents had their cars scratched.

"There has been a problem in this area for some time now and the incidents are getting worse, but the police don't seem interested," he said.

"In November we were assured there would be a regular patrol up here, but I have only seen a patrol car once."

Parish councillor Jane Jones, who also lives in King's Hill, where there are 37 houses, said she was not aware of a recent spate of vandalism, although there had been a few problems in the past.

"It is the first I have heard of it, but it is possible a lot of it doesn't get reported," she said.

Kempsey beat manager Alan Naulls said he was not aware of vandalism escalating in King's Hill.

"This gentleman's car has been scratched a couple of times and now his window has been broken.

"I certainly sympathise with him and anyone else who experiences criminal activity, but incidents like this happen right across Worcestershire, not just in King's Hill," he said.

"I said I would do some high visibility patrolling. Because this man has not seen me does not mean I was not there."