RANDOM drive-by shootings, where ball bearings are believed to have been fired at parked cars, have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

In one night a total of 19 cars were hit in Witney, Carterton and Eynsham.

But it was not an isolated incident. One man, a former chief superintendent in the Metropolitan Police, had his car targeted three times, while his partner and lodger's vehicles have also been hit.

And at Wood Green, Witney, there have been two separate nights when cars parked along the road have all suffered smashed windows.

Police said that since May 13 around 40 vehicles have been damaged.

The toll of smashed windows on vehicles has included streets in Witney, Carterton, Burford, Crawley, Eynsham, North Leigh, Curbridge and Brize Norton.

PC Steve Cox said: "Someone may see this as a bit of fun, but their actions have caused distress, inconvenience and expense to dozens of people.

"We are taking these incidents very seriously. We are increasing patrols in the areas most affected. If readers see anyone acting suspiciously, call 999 straight away."

John Pratt, landlord of the Three Pigeons, Wood Green, said: "This is serious, and not just because of the damage and the cost of repairs. I have just had to pay out £362 to repair the back window on my Volvo. Somebody could get hit by one of these pellets."

The attacks at Wood Green happened late at night and a total of five cars were hit, including one belonging to a customer at the pub.

John Pole, who lives in Curbridge, said his Honda Prelude was first hit on May 13. It was targeted again last Tuesday and Wednesday. His partner's BMW has been damaged twice and his lodger also had her vehicle hit by a ball bearing.

Mr Pole said: "Having been a detective in the Met for 26 years, I was quite appalled by the scale of all this. These seem to be random drive-by shootings. I took my car to have the windscreen repaired and was told they have been inundated with similar repair jobs. It goes without saying that lives could be in danger at any time if this keeps going on."

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or the police on 0845 8 505 505.