DRIVERS have been left “upset and angry” after a thief ripped car badges from a number of vehicles parked on housing estates, police have confirmed.

The spree happened along Prescot Road and Borough Road, St Helens between the evening of last Saturday and the following morning.

Three badges had been taken from the rear of a black Mazda MX5 parked on Borough Road.

Detectives believe a number of other cars on the road also had their badges stolen and a similar report was received about a car on nearby Crispin Street.

One Star reader said: “Badges from several vehicles including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes and Mazda were prised from vehicles in the area, around eight in total that I’m aware of.”

Neighbourhood police sergeant for St Helens town centre Mark Stanisstreet said: “Some of the vehicles were scratched as the badges were pulled off and the owners are both upset and very angry.

“People have every right to leave their cars out on the street without them being damaged by vandals and I’d appeal to people in St Helens to help us arrest and convict those responsible.

“Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Prescot or Borough Road areas between Saturday night and Sunday morning, or has any other information which could help with our inquiries, is asked to call us.”

Contact police non-emergency 101 number or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.