A shopkeeper was horrified to find the windows of his car smashed and its tyres slashed.
Mustapha Maazouz said he was left “in shock” after discovering his Smart Fortwo, parked at Golding Place, Norwich, had been badly damaged.
The 39-year-old had walked from his home and past his parked car towards the Esso garage, on Dereham Road, to buy a drink at around 8.50pm on Saturday.
But less than five minutes later, as he took the same route back towards his home - just a few streets away - Mr Maazouz knew something was not right.
“As I got nearer to the car I said to myself that the tyres looked very flat - I thought maybe they had a puncture,” he said.
“I soon realised the car has been completely smashed up and the tyres slashed.
“A neighbour upstairs said they had seen the people who did it and shouted at them, and they ran away. Two boys had been in another car and said they had seen the windows being smashed.
“Apparently they were wearing face masks, hoodies and jackets but that’s all they saw.”
Mr Maazouz immediately called the police, who subsequently visited him to take a statement.
The damage has been reported to his insurance provider, which has given him the option of writing off the car.
The shop worker said he had never been the victim of such a crime in the past, leaving him feeling shaken by the experience.
“It’s difficult to explain how I’m feeling - mainly I’m really frustrated,” added Mr Maazouz.
“People know me in the area and I have had a stall in Norwich market. There are clearly some people around who don’t like me because they see me working hard and trying to be a successful man.
“The problem is I don’t think there are any cameras round there to catch people who do things like this. I’m lucky to have another car, but I will be parking it somewhere else from now on.”
Norfolk Constabulary said it was aware of the incident and was investigating.
A spokesman added: “The incident, between 8.45 and 9pm on Saturday night, has been reported to us.
“A car was found to have had its windows and headlights smashed and the tyres damaged in Golding Place. Our enquiries are ongoing.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here