TWO OF the Petersfield police team who caught vandals who are believed to have damaged cars and smashed a showroom window have been praised for their work.

Between last June and September cars parked along the A272 at Stroud and Langrish near Petersfield were attacked and the window of the White Rose garage in Stroud was smashed.

There were more than 30 attacks, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The only evidence were ball bearing type metal balls in the cars, thought to have been fired from a catapult.

PC Phillipa Miller and police staff investigator Karen Slade have since received certificates of congratulations.

PC Miller’s said: “Your determination and commitment helped secure two suspects.”

In praising Karen Slade, Chief Inspector Pirie wrote: “Your tenacity in prioritising the lines of enquiry and forensic strategy contributed to linking two suspects to the crimes. The level of work you undertook was unprecedented.”