A spate of “thoughtless” vandalism hit Chesham this week as swastika symbols, EDL signs and offensive language was sprayed on vehicles and property across the town.

Thames Valley Police received reports that 16 cars and vans were vandalised with either black or gold paint in The Spinney, The Braid, Codmore Crescent and White Hill between 2.30am to 6am on Sunday morning.

Chesham Grammar School has the letters EDL sprayed in gold paint on their front wall and the Chesham Leisure Centre next door also had signs vandalised.

A swastika sign was also sprayed on a wall in Codmore Cresent.

A resident on The Braid, who wished to remain anonymous, had her black Mercades and garden fence vandalised with gold spray paint.

“This is such annoying, selfish behaviour,” she said. “It’s thoughtless.

“Someone has gone along the road with a can and done all the cars.

“You see groups of teenagers drinking on Botley Field and they regularly have bonfires there.

“They often leave a lot of litter and I suspect a group of them have come up from there.

“A few years ago we had a problem when someone came and damaged all the car roofs on the road.”

A resident on White Hill, who also did not want to be named, said: “It is a bit concerning.

“It is not something you would expect here. This is the first time I have ever seen something like it here. My sons found it very offensive.”

Annmarie McNaney, headteacher at Chesham Grammar School, said: "We do not condone graffiti of any kind.

“The graffiti that appeared in the local area yesterday wasn't aimed at Chesham Grammar School and knowing our pupils, I am confident that this is nothing to do with any of them."

Sgt James Ellis from Chesham Police Station, said: "Whilst these incidents are being linked, we do not believe that the victims have been specifically targeted, which I hope will reassure members of the local community.

"They have, however, caused distress and inconvenience to a number of local residents.

“Not only have the vehicle owners been left with the burden of having to remove the paint but, given the nature of some of the graffiti and symbols used, they have been left unable to use their vehicles.”

Police are asking that anyone with information in relation to any of the incidents to call 101 and quote the URN 309 of September 27.