People returning from festive breaks abroad had a nasty shock when they picked up their cars.
More than 80 vehicles left in three hotel car parks in Crawley were broken into.
Many were owned by people who flew out of Gatwick for Christmas and New Year trips.
The cars, parked at the Holiday Inn in Langley Green, the Ramada in Tinsley Lane South and the Europa in Maidenbower, had windows smashed and locks forced but very little property was stolen.
Detective Constable Steve Tattersall, of Crawley police, said: "It's mindless vandalism on a large scale.
"To have 80 offences of this type in Crawley is very unusual. I'm appealing for witnesses, people who heard alarms going off or saw anything suspicious, to get in touch."
Police believe the same vandals were responsible for all the damage.
Officers are studying CCTV footage and forensic experts are checking the damaged cars for fingerprints and DNA evidence.
Witnesses should call 0845 6070999
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