Disabled man's tyres slashed twice in a week (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Disabled man's tyres slashed twice in a week in Clacton

3:00pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in News

A DISABLED man has hit out at vandals who slashed the tyres on his car twice in one week.

The rear tyre of Stephen de la Rossi’s Daewoo Mariz was slashed overnight between September 18 and 19.

He had it repaired, but two nights later one of his front tyres was also punctured.

Mr de la Rossi, who has to use a walking stick and is struggling with a terminal lung and heart disease, said he relies on his car.

He said: “It was a shock, and of course it is very frustrating. I rely on my car completely to get around, including appointments with my doctor.

“It is not the first time my car has been damaged, and others on this estate have been vandalised in the past as well. It is an ongoing problem here.”

Mr de la Rossi lives at Burcart Gardens in Clacton.

Police say they are treating the incident seriously, and have set up additional patrols around the area.

Insp Dean Stratford said: "In addition to committing the offence of criminal damage, the person who slashed these tyres potentially placed the driver of the car, and any passengers, at risk of serious injury.

“These are stupid and reckless crimes that have no place in our community."

Anyone with information should call Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.