WHAT about this for a shocking series of car crimes waged against one elderly couple, my parents, who live in Acomb:

January last year - Ford Escort stolen from outside their house and burned out.

April - replacement Nissan stolen from outside their house and abandoned with extensive damage.

May, same car - stolen again from outside and damaged extensively.

May again - car stolen from outside the house with yet more damage.

August - vandals damage car exhaust while it is parked outside the house.

September - wheel trims stolen from the car while parked outside.

October - car's side panel kicked in by a drunk outside the house.

November - car damaged outside the house when children forced open the locked petrol flap.

December - broad daylight attempt at stealing the car from outside the house; would-be thief disturbed, but locks damaged.

January, this year - late-night attempt at stealing the car from outside the house, disturbed again, locks damaged again.

March 6 - the latest attempt to steal the car, once again from outside the house. Another car pulled up close, several youths got out, broke the locks again and were about to get in when they were disturbed and fled.

My parents are clearly victims of a determined campaign and I wish the people responsible would leave them in peace. My poor, long-suffering mum and dad must hold some kind of record, unless readers know better.

Eric Deighton,

Moorgate,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:00 Tuesday, March 30, 2004