A Bradford garage owner fears he may go out of business after a string of vandal attacks has left him with thousands of pounds of repairs.

In the latest incident Peter Smith found seven windows smashed at his garage in Bowling Back Lane when he went to work on Friday.

He said over the New Year three cars on his forecourt had every window destroyed and one car was pushed over a wall.

Police say there have been seven incidents at the garage during the past twelve months, including an arson attack which destroyed five vehicles last year.

Inspector Steve Longbottom, of Odsal Police, said a police officer would contact Mr Smith to discuss the problems and patrols would be increased in the area.

But Mr Smith said the police were not doing enough and his livelihood was under threat.

He said: "I've been here since 1982 but it's got so bad in the last year that I don't know how much longer I can afford to run my business. When I came in on Friday there was glass everywhere, all over my office. There were no bricks or stones on the floor so it looks like they've used a hammer or something to deliberately smash out every window.

"Every window on the cars attacked over the New Year were also smashed to smithereens. It's just getting out of control. I had to scrap all those cars, which was just money down the drain."

Mr Smith said the area was becoming overrun with crime.

In one incident last Monday, a car was allegedly stolen while it was waiting for a MOT outside another garage in Bowling Back Lane.

Insp Longbottom said a 15-year-old youth had been arrested in connection with that incident and charged with taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and dangerous driving.

He added: "We do have reports of three youths who were in the area when Mr Smith's cars were damaged over the New Year.

"They were all white youths. One was wearing a hat and one had a blue Nike coat on."

Anyone who saw them or has any information should call Odsal police on 0845 6060606.

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