Pensioners' Cars Targeted by '67' Vandalism Spree in Worcester
Angry residents in Worcester have condemned school children who have allegedly turned scratching the numbers '67' into dozens of cars into a destructive game. Over the past three weeks, vehicles parked on Sebright Avenue and Arundel Drive have been repeatedly targeted, leaving owners hundreds of pounds out of pocket for repairs.
Costly Damage and Community Outrage
The nonsensical 'six seven' trend, which recently gained popularity as a cultural craze, has escalated into what locals describe as mindless vandalism. Pensioners Mark and Heather Stewart, both 69, discovered a '6-7' scratched into the side of their car last week, adding to the growing list of affected vehicles.
Mark Stewart expressed his frustration, stating, 'There have been dozens of vehicles targeted. It happened at least ten times in one week. Residents are angry. It's mindless vandalism to nobody's benefit. It's going to cost people a lot of money to get it repaired.'
Another resident speculated that a group of kids is behind the incidents, treating it as a competition to see how many cars they can deface. 'I wouldn't be surprised to see videos appearing on TikTok showing the little hoodlums laughing like hyenas while making our lives a misery,' they added.
Balancing Fun and Anti-Social Behavior
While acknowledging that every generation has its trends, residents emphasize the line between harmless fun and destructive actions. One local, who has children, noted, 'My issue is when it goes beyond a bit of fun and becomes an excuse for anti-social behaviour.'
In response, the community has taken proactive measures. A resident created a poster to raise awareness, and local schools have been informed in hopes of curbing the behavior. The community remains hopeful that these steps will resolve the issue without resorting to extensive security measures.
Another resident commented, 'We would hope we won't need security cameras and all the rest of it. I think some people have got Ring Doorbells. It's a really supportive community. We are trying to take action ourselves.'
Police Involvement and Ongoing Investigation
West Mercia Police confirmed that a criminal damage incident was reported on March 5 around 11:15 am after a car was damaged on Sebright Avenue. A spokesperson stated, 'The incident is now waiting allocation for further enquiries.'
As the investigation continues, residents are left dealing with the financial and emotional toll of the vandalism, highlighting the broader impact of such anti-social acts on community cohesion and safety.
