AN ELDERLY Thornbury couple have received threatening letters and have had their property repeatedly damaged over a period of 15 years.

Police are now appealing for the public’s help to identify those responsible for the repeat victimisation of the couple.

During the past 15 years the couple, who live on Primrose Drive in Thornbury, have repeatedly been victims of criminal damage and have received several threatening letters in the post.

Some of the incidents reported to police include:

- Glass bottles filled with paint thrown over their home

- At least four threatening letters sent in the post – some demanding money

- Their car being scratched

- A concrete slab thrown through their conservatory window

- Eggs thrown at their house

- Roofing nails scattered on their driveway

- Laundry capsules thrown on their lawn – burning the grass

- Wine bottles and beer cans thrown into their garden

The majority of the incidents have happened while the victims have been away.

A formal problem solving plan is now in place to try and identify the perpetrator(s) and the neighbourhood team have worked with partners to provide reassurance and support to the victims.

CCTV cameras have previously been installed at the couple's address while the council has improved the lighting on the public footpath which backs on to their property.

Thornbury beat manager PC Natalie Jones said: “We know the victims are being specifically targeted as the anonymous letters are personally addressed.

“We also know the incidents are linked as the letters quite clearly make reference to the colour of paint the offender threatens to use next.

“Being victim of one incident of criminal damage is bad enough for any elderly couple but to be subjected to dozens of incidents over more than a decade is quite frankly awful.

“The paint attacks in particular have left them feeling particularly vulnerable as they’re unable to clean the paint themselves and have had to pay for it to be removed, while the letters have left them scared to leave their home.

“The stress and anxiety these incidents are causing the victims is something we desperately want to bring an end to and we really need the public’s help to achieve this.

“Have you witnessed any of the incidents?

“Have you ever seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Primrose Drive area?

“Have you ever witnessed anyone pouring paint into glass bottles?

“Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, could help identify whoever is responsible for these shameful incidents so please get in touch if you know or have seen something.”

If you can help, call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5220207115.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.

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