RESIDENTS on a York housing estate woke up to a scene of destruction after thieves broke into a string of vehicles in a private car park.

Nine cars, a mini-bus and four garages were attacked in a night of vandalism and theft at the car park at Coggan Close, in South Bank.

The car park, situated in Philadelphia Terrace, serves Coggan Close's three blocks of housing association flats.

In what was the latest in a series of attacks, thieves targeted any vehicle without a modern alarm system.

Resident Julie Langford, 39, was one of the victims of the crime spree. A £1,000 CD system was stolen from her car.

The mother of two said the countless number of incidents was worrying parents on the estate, who were concerned about their children's safety.

"There is a particular problem with a group who come on to the estate," Mrs Langford said.

"This attack is just wanton destruction, but it has been going on over a number of years. It is costing residents a lot of money.

"There have been four cars broken into over the last couple of weeks and now this incident.

"We have counted up nine cars, a mini-bus and four garages. They are all in a row. We need extra security for the car park.

"It will be the houses next. A lot of children play on the estate and everyone is getting a little bit uncomfortable about these attacks."

Mrs Langford added that many residents were now at the end of their tether after Saturday night's attacks.

"Everyone is absolutely sick and tired. It's a tragedy that you can't even park your car without it being broken into," she said.

A spokesman for English Churches Housing Group, which owns the flats and the car park, said: "We can appreciate the circumstances, even though this not a housing matter.

"We will be working closely with the police to resolve the situation."

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman confirmed that the attack took place.

"We would appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident, who knows who the offenders are, or just has any suspicions about this crime to contact us."

Any details should be passed on to York police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:58 Monday, April 08, 2002