HOPES have been raised that a two-year reign of vandalism against cars in suburban streets could be coming to an end.

More than 30 incidents of scratched cars and slashed tyres have been reported in a small part of West Hove with the total damage estimated at £100,000.

Conservative Councillor Robert Nemeth is now hopeful of a major breakthrough in the case of what has been dubbed the “St Leonards Slasher” with the release of new CCTV footage.

Businessman Kevin Viney, who has had four vehicles damaged, said it was time the culprit was caught.

CCTV footage from the driveway of his house in St Leonards Gardens seems to capture the moment a hire car parked there was scratched across the bonnet and back panel in the early hours of Saturday, June 17.

Mr Viney, director of Rainbow Building Services, has had three other vehicles damaged including a convertible VW Beetle which had its roof slashed while a Jaguar XKR and a Nissan Navara had bodywork damaged.

It follows dozens of similar incidents that have taken place with vehicles in St Leonards Road, St Leonards Avenue and Erroll Road particularly targeted.

In October, The Argus reported on the issue, including the case of Pete Best in Kingsway whose tyres had been slashed on several occasions.

Despite the publicity surrounding the incident, the criminal damage has continued.

Previous theories the vandalism was the work of a vigilante protesting at the difficulty of parking in the area have been revised with the latest footage which seems to indicate mindless vandalism.

Cllr Nemeth said: “I’ve put considerable effort into ensuring all of these crimes are reported so that a proper picture can be built up of what’s going on here.

“I hope these pictures assist in their identification, somebody will surely recognise them.

“The number of incidents are very high for a relatively small area, you don’t get this in other areas.

“In fairness to the police, each time I have reported incidents, they have said they will increase patrols but it’s quite difficult if the perpetrator is not caught in the act.”

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting 47170085697 of 17/6.