BALFRON vandals have been targeting police motors this week, right under the nose of the town's coppers.

Officers are investigating after two of their cars, as well as a privately owned vehicle, were vandalised over three days on Buchanan Street this week.

Due to the damage caused, temporary police cars had to be brought in to ensure full coverage in the area.

The first incident happened between 6pm on Monday, October 10, and 1am the next day, when the rear window of a marked police Mitsubishi Outlander was smashed whilst it was parked directly opposite the police station.

Then on the same street between 11pm on Wednesday and 1am on Thursday a marked police Ford Focus Estate was targeted, alongside a privately owned Audi.

Suffering extensive damage, the windscreens and several windows were smashed on both vehicles.

Police are treating the incidents as connected and are appealing for information.

The station's Inspector Gerry McMenemy said: “The damage to these vehicles is completely reckless.

“Apart from the cost, two fully marked emergency response police vehicles will have to be repaired and are not available for officers to attend calls, some of which can be life threatening.

“The person responsible for the damage could have deprived the local community in West Stirlingshire of vital emergency services - that is completely irresponsible and potentially endangers people's lives.

"We are eager to trace those responsible as soon as possible and are appealing for information. Anyone who was in the Buchanan Street area on either Monday or Wednesday evenings and saw anything suspicious [is asked] to come forward immediately."

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101.

To provide information anonymously, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.