Covered in police tape and its rear window in tatters, many would think this car on Kings Road in Alton is abandoned and needs to be removed to prevent further damage.

But East Hampshire District Council and the police say their hands are tied, and they cannot do anything about it.

This car was brought to the attention of the Herald by a dog walker identifying themselves only as a “concerned citizen”.

They said: “I walk my dog regularly along Kings Road in Alton, a walk I have been making for decades.

“I continue my walk along Whitedown Lane, on to Basingstoke Road and then along the beautiful Flood Meadows.

“This walk is the absolute highlight of my day and one I look forward to. Now I see on Kings Road a car left permanently covered in police tape, with smashed windows and no mirrors, left open to the environment.

“About 100 metres away on Whitedown Lane is another car - damaged, vandalised, with the number plate destroyed.

“This once peaceful, beautiful area has been left to look like a deserted crime scene by both the police and the council.”

But our “concerned citizen” might be waiting a while before it’s moved, as there’s criteria which must be met.

The first test is whether the vehicle is taxed - and the gov.uk website shows this blue Ford Focus is taxed until September 1 and has a valid MoT test certificate until January 27.

At least three criteria out of a list of 16 examples of damaged or missing parts on the council website must also be met before a car can be classed as abandoned.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “In the circumstances of police receiving reports of abandoned vehicles, the information is noted and passed over to the council for them to action, as per the information listed on the East Hampshire District Council website.”

An EHDC spokesperson added: “The council has a legal duty to deal with motor vehicles that have been abandoned. This can be a costly process and we will therefore take steps to trace the owners and require them to dispose of the vehicle.

“Just because a vehicle is not being used does not mean that it is abandoned. It is often a matter for council officers’ discretion as to whether to declare it as abandoned.

“People often confuse an abandoned vehicle with a nuisance and/or untaxed vehicle. The council only has the powers to investigate and remove genuinely abandoned vehicles.”

But the dog walker remained concerned about indirect consequences of leaving damaged cars on roads.

They said: “This has been the state of affairs for months, with no sign of improvement - these vehicles are just getting worse and worse. Have they ever heard of the Broken Windows Theory?

“The Broken Windows Theory suggests that visible signs of disorder, like broken windows or graffiti, encourage further crime and anti-social behaviour, and that maintaining order can help prevent more serious offences.

“Where is the line in the sand?”