VANDALS have caused misery for dozens of residents in Baxenden and Accrington after they used a sharp object to scratch over 30 vehicles.

The vehicles were parked in Royds Street, Hollins Lane, Manchester Road and Shelley Drive when they were targeted between 10.30pm on Saturday and 1.30am on Sunday.

They also damaged 11 cars parked on a garage forecourt in Manchester Road, Baxenden. Some vehicles were only scratched down one side but others suffered damage to both sides and the bonnets.

Residents were counting the cost of the damage this week as their vehicles will need to be re-sprayed.

One resident, who lives in Shelley Drive, Baxenden, said: "My girlfriend's car looked a right mess. They must have scratched every car in the street during the night."

Landlady Bridget Coady, who runs the Alma Inn in Manchester Road, Baxenden, said: "Two of my bar staff had their cars scratched. They scratched a line down one of the cars and scratched the other car on both sides."

In a bid to catch the culprits, police are now examining CCTV footage and they are appealing to members of the public to come forward if they saw anything suspicious or know who is responsible.

Sergeant John Kennedy, from Accrington Police, said: "There were in excess of 30 vehicles damaged during the night and there are probably some people who haven't reported it to us. Some residents have fitted their own cameras so that may help us catch these offenders."

Councillor John Grif-fiths said: "I can't understand what gets into the minds of these vandals. They're just yobs, plain and simple. I can't see what pleasure they get from it. I only hope the camera can get us some proof of who did it."