Nine cars were either broken into, had their windscreens smashed or were stolen from, in a mindless spree which started near the Pells Pool, Lewes, on Monday night.

Police believe the cars were damaged as the vandals made their way towards Landport Estate.

The offenders tried to steal four different vehicles, including a small removals van, and caused thousands of pounds of damage.

PC James Vitler from Lewes Police, said: 'They tried to hotwire the cars and failed miserably but caused a lot of damage along the way.

'We've increased our patrols since then and have not had any similar incidents since.'

PC Vitler said police had not received any reports of a car being stolen in the area, so it appeared the vandals were not able to get away with a vehicle.

Items stolen include cds and car stereos. Side windows were smashed to get into the cars.

Cars were damaged in North Street, Pelham Terrace, St John's Hill, Spring Gardens, the Landport Fork, Stansfield Road, Blois Road, Landport Road, Landport Fork and Hill Road.