MOTORISTS in Parkstone will have to pay thousands of pounds for repairs after their cars were vandalised.

Residents in Archway Road woke on Saturday, August 6 to find yobs had smashed off wing mirrors during the night.

Police believe the damage could have been done between 12.30am and 1am by a group of youths seen earlier.

Lucy O'Neill, 26, whose Volkswagen Polo was damaged, said: "My partner heard a noise but thought it was just kids making a lot of noise.

"It wasn't until we got up the next day we realised the wing mirror had been broken off. It's very annoying because it's going to cost me money for kids having a laugh."

She said people in the street were already fed up with damage caused to their cars by other vehicles travelling along the road - which is frequently made single-lane as cars are parked either side.

An 88-year-old resident, who did not wish to be named, said there was often noise on Friday nights as drunken people made their way home.

He said: "I think it is probably the drunk people who have done the damage."

PC Matt Cherry said: "Most of the damage is to wing mirrors, which is going to cost each person hundreds of pounds to repair.

"We believe it could have been a group of about 10 to 15 youths who were seen drinking on a bench at the end of the road.

"If anyone saw anything or thinks they know who it is should contact us as soon as possible."

It was estimated the total repair bill for the street would be between £3,000 and £5,000. It is believed more than 10 cars had been damaged and each owner would have to pay about £240 for the repairs.

Anyone with information should contact Poole police station on 01202 222222.

First published: August 9, 2005