VANDALS are regularly targeting a South Lakeland lay-by and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to parked vehicles.

Police are warning drivers to be vigilant after the latest vandal attack saw rocks thrown through the windows of a grey Volvo and blue Mazda resulting in repair bills of £400.

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The lay-by close to Canal Garage, Crooklands, has become known as a vandal hotspot following a spate of incidents. The latest happened between 11am and 4pm on February 19 and police are seeking witnesses.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "Our officers carry out regular checks on that area in an effort to locate suspicious activity or catch an offence in progress. However, this has not yet borne fruit."

Last September the Gazette reported that wreckers 'completely destroyed' an expensive Audi TT Quattro after its owners, David and Judy Dixon, from Bolton-le-Sands, went on a walk in the surrounding countryside.

When they returned from the walk three hours later, they found their car in a state which Cumbria police described at the time as being ‘completely destroyed.’

In September 2015 a large rock was used to put a dent in the roof of a brand new Seat Ibiza before the driver's window was smashed and a sat nav taken.

Other incidents included 'extensive damage' being caused to a Mini and a red Ford Focus in May 2014 and a Mini Countryman was damaged by 'one or more people on the roof' last November.

A Preston Patrick Parish Council statement said: "The council is saddened and concerned that such senseless acts are taking place at the lay-by, but unfortunately does not have any powers to do anything about it. The lay-by is the responsibility of Cumbria Highways and as a criminal act this is clearly a police matter.

"The council applauds the good work done by the local police force and would urge anyone with any information about who is carrying out these acts to contact the police and help them put a stop to it."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.