BARROW has one of the highest rates of vehicle vandalism in the region, a new study has found.

Statistics compiled by MoneySuperMarket found that there were 324 incidents of car crime in Barrow in the last 12 months.

The study found that certain makes of vehicles are more likely to be vandalised than others.

Mercedes, BMW, Fiat, Seat, Citroen and Honda all have a greater likelihood of being targeted by vandals.

Green and black vehicles were more likely to be targeted while white vehicles rank third of ‘most likely to be vandalised’.

Blue is the safest colour, with one case of vandalism – the lowest rate reported.

Silver and red cars follow closely behind, with 1.1 cases per 1,000 policies each.

Former Coffee Bean owner Ismail Kaya was one of those targeted by mindless vandals during a spate of attacks in Barrow in April.

His black Mercedes was one of five cars scratched by a gang of three young vandals while it was parked in Keyes Street.

“It’s mindless vandalism. I had only been parked there for about 30 minutes,” Mr Ismail said.

“Then another vehicle owner knocked on the door and told me what had happened.

“It is worrying to know people like this are out there. What could happen if they run in to people who are walking home alone.”

The five vehicles damaged included a black Mercedes S-Class, a Ford Ka as well as another car and two vans.

Mr Kaya’s Mercedes sustained damage across two of the doors and obscene imagery was carved in to the bonnet of the Ford Ka.

Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “Only one in four victims of vandalism decide to report the incident to their insurance company, possibly due to concerns about losing their no-claims discount.

“However, some insurance providers protect a driver’s no-claims bonus for cases of vandalism, so it’s worth double checking your policy as you may be protected without realising.

“A comprehensive car insurance policy is likely to cover you for these offences, as opposed to a third-party policy.

“Be sure to shop around for the best deal online and look out for vandalism cover in your policy for peace of mind. ”