Neighbours have spoken out about their fears that a vandal is targeting cars in their street to deter people from parking there.
A husband and wife say both of their cars have been keyed – and on both occasions they were parked near the end of the Ellesmere Road cul-de-sac in Berkhamsted.
They think the criminal may be targeting the cars of people who park after its junction with Paxton Road, but do not live there.
The pair, who recently moved to Berkhamsted, live on the other side of the junction.
They spoke to the Gazette, but asked for their identities to be kept secret, fearing that the vandal may next try and target their house to take revenge.
One said: “We are very frustrated and disappointed that such a thing could happen in this very middle-class market town.
“Hemel Hempstead has its critics, but this experience has left me very disillusioned about Berkhamsted.”
Berkhamsted and Tring Sgt Peter Huffer confirmed that there have been three reports of cars being keyed in Ellesmere Road since the start of July.
He said: “This is clearly wanton vandalism and if police do identify the offenders, they can expect to be dealt with by way of a charge and going to court.
“The punishment for criminal damage can in fact lead to a custodial sentence, but it will invariably involve a hefty fine.”
The latest incident was reported to police on Sunday evening and is believed to have happened at some point between Thursday and then.
Sgt Huffer said: “In cases like this, it’s very often difficult to identify who the offenders or suspects are.
“If anybody does have any information that could identify the offenders, phone police on 101 and quote D2/13/633.”