Hunt is on for vegetable gang (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hunt is on for vegetable gang

12:00pm Saturday 28th April 2012 in Calne By Tom Mooney

Police are hunting a gang who used vegetables as missiles in attacks across Calne.

Several incidents have been reported of people and buildings being attacked by people throwing vegetables and eggs.

The culprits have been seen driving in a car before slowing down and throwing the vegetables, including cauliflowers, cabbages and potatoes, from the windows.

Their victims appear to have been selected at random and the culprits have so far escaped being captured on the town’s CCTV cameras.

A cauliflower was also hurled at the door of a house.

Sergeant Phil Connor, of Calne Police, said: “Over the past couple of weeks, we have had several incidents of members of the public being pelted with food.

“Unknown persons in a small vehicle have driven past and thrown various pieces of fruit and vegetables at them.

“These included cabbages and a number of potatoes.

“There has also been an incident where the vehicle was seen to pull up outside an address, before someone got out of the car and threw shredded cabbage at a door, before getting back in and making off.

“There was also an incident of an egg being thrown at a couple walking home in Quemerford.”

Police said the attacks are mostly taking place in the evenings, around 8pm. They are at various, seemingly random, locations around the town.

Officers believe a group of young males are responsible.

Sgt Connor said: “We are asking anyone who has been subjected to any attacks of this nature to come forward, particularly if you can identify the offending vehicle.

“We are taking this matter seriously. This is a danger to pedestrians and other road users.

“In addition to the number of highways offences being committed, there is also the matter of assault. One of the victims was injured by a potato during one of the incidents.

“We would like to hear from anyone who can help us identify those responsible.”

If you can assist police, or if you have been targeted, call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.