Police car vandals put people's lives at risk

The police are appealing for information from members of the public to catch the culprits.

Due to the damage to both police cars, temporary vehicles from other stations were brought in to ensure there is full police coverage in the area.

Inspector Gerry McMenemy of Balfron Police Station, said: “The damage to these vehicles is completely reckless.

“Apart from the cost, two fully marked emergency response police vehicles will have to be repaired and are not available for officers to attend calls, some of which can be life threatening.

“The person responsible for the damage could have deprived the local community in West Stirlingshire of vital emergency services - that is completely irresponsible and potentially endangers people’s lives.

“We are eager to trace those responsible as soon as possible and are appealing for information.

“Anyone who was in the Buchanan Street area on either Monday or Wednesday evenings and saw anything suspicious to come forward immediately.”

The first incident happened between 6pm on Monday, October 10, and 1am on Tuesday, October 11, when the rear window of a marked police car, a Mitsubishi Outlander, was smashed while it was parked on Buchanan Street, opposite Balfron Police Station.

A further incident also happened in Buchanan Street between 11pm on Wednesday, October 12 and 1am on Thursday, October 13.

A second marked police car was vandalised, a Ford Focus estate, along with a privately owned Audi vehicle. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage, with windscreens and several windows smashed.

The police are treating both incidents as connected.

If you have any information about any of these incidents please phone Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you’d like to remain anonymous.