POLICE are setting up an operation in Upper Douglas this weekend following a spate of criminal damage in the area.

Last weekend there were nine incidents of criminal damage to vehicles, seven of which are linked and all believed to have been committed by the same group of people.

A police spokesman said: "The damage being caused is completely thoughtless, unnecessary and extremely upsetting for vehicle owners who have to bear the considerable costs of repairing the damage which is sometimes significant.

"The damage also makes some cars dangerous and not fit for the road. Unfortunately, this is not a one off occurrence, damage such as this is happening on a regular basis.

"It is believed that a large proportion of the damage is caused by drunken people walking home from lower Douglas, purposely damaging vehicles on their way.

"It is the Douglas Police’s intention to focus their operation on the areas surrounding licensed premises and routes leading away towards residential areas.

"The police wish to warn those who have committed this sort of crime in the past that a zero tolerance approach will be taken when dealing with this during this operation and prosecutions will be sought if anyone is found committing criminal damage."

Inspector Richard Power of the Douglas Neighbourhood Policing Team said he could assure the public the police are doing what they can to reduce criminal damage and if anyone has any information about the incidents they should contact the police or ring Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.