Vandals smash windows despite the absence of valuables in most vehicles
A STRING of smashed car windows have been found around Cathays in the last month, often with nothing or very little being taken from the cars.
The Cardiffian spoke to nine people, who have all either found and reported a smashed window or had theirs smashed.
Just this week, four instances of break-ins have been reported. Among the victims was Sam Chumley, 21, who had his car broken into on Fitzroy Street on Monday.
He said: “Nothing was stolen, so I’m baffled by the motivation for it.”
Maddie Elliott, 21, found another car smashed on the corner of Thesiger Street. She reported to South Wales Police that the window was smashed in the early hours of Monday morning, at around 5:40am.
On Tuesday this week Erika Iceton, 22, found another smashed car window on Fairoak Road. She posted the incident on a Facebook group and reported it to police via 101.
A day later, another car was found damaged on Allensbank Road by Sophie Hollins, 19.
The recent spate of incidents follow similar events which were reported to police in the last month.
Alex Evans, 20, had his car broken into on May Street on the January 11th.
He said: “It just makes you feel wary at all times. It’s happened once and I had to spend the money to repair it, but who is to say it’s not going to happen again?
“One other person in my house also had his and his girlfriend’s car windows smashed.
“It’s just pretty crazy how it seems like it’s going to keep on happening, but nothing can be done about it.”
This was not the first instance on May Street, as three days later (January 14th) Bear Pearse, 19, had some trainers and a hockey glove stolen from his car after it was broken into.
He later posted on Facebook: “To whomever smashed the window of my car on May Street last night. I hope you enjoy the old pair of astros and hockey glove I haven’t washed since 2016 x”
January 19th saw two break ins on the same night, on Llantrisant Street and Flora Street.
Olivia Hawken, 21, who owns the Llantrisant Street car, said: “It was so frustrating as I couldn’t drive to my placement in the hospital due to the amount of glass.
“The police said it was a closed case, they didn’t even come out to look at CCTV and left it up to me (which I understand is plausible because they are super busy), but they don’t seem to be doing anything about the break-ins.
“My insurance didn’t cover my window so I’ve had to botch it until I can afford a replacement.”
The second break in that night was on Flora Street, where a car owned by Abbie Williams, 20, was parked.
She said on Faceboook: “My car was parked between Flora Street and Fanny Street from around 5.45pm last night and I have just discovered this in the last hour – if anyone had any info/saw anything please can you let me know – and cheers to whoever did it, much appreciated.”
She later told The Cardiffian: “I think whoever is doing this must be going through something awful and I hope they get the help they need.
“I filed a report with the police and within two hours they shut the case down due to ‘no line of enquiry’ so I’m not sure anything will come of it.”
We also spoke to Cam Reynolds, 23, whose van was broken into on Wyeverne Road on the December 8th.
South Wales Police have said: “There have been a small number of incidents of what we believe to be opportunistic break-ins to vehicles, on the chance that there be something of value inside.
“If anybody notices anything suspicious, they are urged to contact South Wales Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
To help in preventing opportunistic thieves:
- Never leave house keys in an unattended vehicle
- Always ensure your vehicle is secure when it is unattended
- Do not leave any belongings in sight
- If you are parking in the street, try to park in well-lit areas
- Ensure alarms are activated when locking your car
To contact South Wales Police:
Go to: https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline, Send a private message on Facebook/Twitter or contact Via email: SWP101@south-wales.police.uk.
