A total of 136 vehicles have been damaged in a spate of vandalism that has been ongoing in Wycombe since last Tuesday, say police – with further outbreaks of thuggery over the weekend.

Police are asking members of the public to contact them with any details of videos or photographs on social media relating to the attacks.

Officers said eight arrests have so far been made in connection with the criminal damage, and say “appropriate measures” are in being put in place to tackle the problem.

It is thought the vandalism is connected to the verdict of an inquest into the death of Habib Ullah, which concluded last Monday.

Graffiti daubed on scores of cars since the vandalism began reads ‘NJNP’ – thought to stand for ‘No Justice, No Peace’.

Extra police patrols were put in place in the town at the weekend and will continue in the coming days.

Officers say the 136 vehicles were damaged in Booker, Castlefield and Sands, but the BFP has also had reports of damage to cars in Green Hill, off Hughenden Road.

Chief Inspector Rebecca Mears, deputy commander of Wycombe LPA, said: “I would like to reassure the public that we are putting appropriate measures in place to tackle the ongoing criminal damage in Wycombe.

“Eight people have been arrested in connection with these incidents and enquiries are ongoing.

“At the weekend additional patrols were put in place and we will continue to utilise additional resources going forward.

“We are aware residents are concerned about their vehicles and know the community does not condone this senseless damage.

“We would urge members of the public to liaise with police to put a stop to this behaviour.

“It is vital that local people report suspicious behaviour or incidents to the police straight away.

“In addition if anyone is made aware of videos or photographs on social media relating to these incidents then please call us.”

At the close of a month-long inquest into the death of Habib ‘Paps’ Ullah last week, a jury returned a conclusion of misadventure with a narrative verdict.

Mr Ullah, 39, died after a package containing crack cocaine became lodged in his throat during a restraint by Thames Valley Police officers in Sharrow Vale, in High Wycombe, on July 3, 2008.

TVP confirmed after the conclusion of the inquest that the officers involved now face a gross misconduct hearing over their actions.

Mr Ullah's family have also lodged civil action against Thames Valley Police.

Police have stressed they are aware that campaign organisers representing the family of Mr Ullah have stated they do not support the criminal activity.

Mohammed Khaliel director of community relations organisation Islamix and member of a police Independent Advisory Group told the BFP he saw some of the damage himself over the weekend.

He said: “I was out on patrol with the police until late Saturday evening. Turning up with police to see the faces of innocent victims of crime, putting plastic covers on their smashed car windows on a cold nights, was a very depressing experience.

"Hardworking innocent victims of senseless crimes, some facing excesses on their car insurances and postcode areas being blighted, have every reason to be angry.

“One of my family had to pay over £1000 to replace the windows and deal with graffiti on their cherished vehicles.

“The police alone cannot stop this senseless violence, we must all unite and assist authorities.

“This is unprecedented and now beyond shocking.

“Any tension and mistrust between elements in the community and police needs to be addressed."

He went on to say he thought the police should declare a "critical incident" - as community confidence may be shaken - and bring in extra resources to apprehend those responsible.

He added: “Responsible people, from all communities should ensure they assist in bringing calm to the area. On a previous plea to the community all violence stopped the next day. I urge all community leaders to use their influence to achieve the same results.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

  • An 18-year-old man, two 19-year-olds, a 20-year-old man, a 22-year-old man, a 26-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested in connection to the criminal damage and have been released on police bail until April 20.