AN ANONYMOUS tyre slasher is targeting drivers parking in a quiet street in Bicester.

Police are investigating a number of incidents where unsuspecting drivers have been left with gashes through their tyres on the Langford estate.

In just two weeks, car owners have reported at least six occasions in which they have been forced to fork out more than £100 after being targeted.

It is believed the vandalism is as a result of the victims parking in Lapwing Close and walking to work in Bicester town centre.

Valdir Bonilha, who lives in Aylesbury and works for South Central Ambulance Service, said his tyres had been slashed twice in recent weeks.

He said: "It is quite a historical thing the problem with parking in Langford, as people used to park in Mallards Way but it was destroying the grass verges.

"Now, people have been parking in Lapwing Close which is a five minute walk to work and an easy route to South Central Ambulances Service base because unfortunately the business park we are on doesn't have enough spaces.

"Where we are parking everyone is provided with their own drives and parking spaces – we are not disturbing anyone and other people also park in the road and walk into town."

He added: "We are not stealing any spaces and it is a public road so we wouldn't want to cause any trouble."

Mr Bonilha has now replaced two tyres after returning from work to find them slashed and has been billed £120 for the job.

The 33-year-old said he believed it was angry residents behind the vandalism and he and other victims have reported it to police.

He added: "It is really unfair and wrong: we would assume if someone was unhappy they would come and talk to us.

"It is upsetting because it is a public space and we are not causing anyone any trouble."

Another victim, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "I’ve had to replace two tyres (one for each incident) thus far, each one costing £80 so £160 in total.

"There is the financial cost, as well as the cost of time wasted getting the repairs.

"It is frustrating as all the residents here have their own driveways and parking spaces on their property – I wouldn’t be parking her if that wasn’t the case."

Problems with parking at Talisman Business Park have long been an issue in the town, with residents reporting both workers and train station users using nearby streets as overflow parking.

In October, campaigners secured double yellow lines in nearby Mallards Way to deal with the parking problems which had churned up the grass verges.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Jack Abell said the force is investigating the reports of criminal damage and anyone with information is asked to contact 101.