A HEREFORDSHIRE town has been dealing with a spate of vandalism, from deliberate fires and masked intruders to thefts.

Ross-on-Wye has seen deliberate fires started at the skate park in Wilton Road, as well as a bench being destroyed and fly tipping.

And now police in the town have spoken out about how they are trying to tackle the problems.

In January 2022 and November 2021, masked intruders were caught on security video apparently trying car door handles on a driveway.

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Firefighters were also called to two deliberate fires in just 24 hours at the town’s skatepark earlier this year.

And then a week later, Ross-on-Wye fire station said it had "once again" been called as it went to tackle a third.

A resident has also posted a photo of his car window smashed on the Facebook page Ross-on-Wye Noticeboard over the weekend.

Andrejus Silivanovas said his sports bag was taken from the car in Merrivale Lane at 4.50am, and police reported two other vehicle break-ins.

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On the same night, between 7pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday, the passenger window of a red Mini Cooper parked in the hospital car park, in Alton Street, was smashed and two pairs of sunglasses were stolen.

PCSO David Alexander said: "Please be vigilant, review your vehicle security and do not leave valuables on display."

Hairdressers Reds Hair Company, in Henry Street, posted on its Facebook page that it was robbed on March 8.

A spokesperson from Ross-on-Wye Safer Neighbourhood team said two people entered the salon through the front door and stole an amount of hair products that were on display at 9.05pm.

A spokesperson from Ross-on-Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team said police officers and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were aware of the arson-related incidents in the town and asked people to report any other crimes to the police.

“We are actively patrolling those areas that have been targeted to deter any further incidents and to try to apprehend the offender(s),” officers said.

“We would encourage any persons with information of these incidents to contact ourselves directly or if they do not feel comfortable providing their details, please could they contact crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A spokersperson from Ross-on-Wye Town Council said: "It is very disappointing seeing the aftermath of this type of destructive behaviour, particularly as the town council has been busy trying to improve the play facilities at the Ropewalk and the Skatepark.  

"We would encourage residents witnessing this type of crime to report it to the local police."

The council already makes a financial contribution to support the CCTV system within the town centre and hopes within the next year to be able to install new cameras at locations which have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour and vandalism, said the spokesperson. 

"Talks have recently taken place with the West Mercia’s assistant police and crime commissioner about CCTV and the importance of having reassurances of ongoing financial support for the system within Herefordshire as a whole."