Nails and screws 'purposefully dropped' in St Helens, say police

As reported by the Star yesterday, "thousands" of small sharp objects are reported to have been scattered across roads in Parr and Haydock over the weekend.

With the incidents reported on social media, hundreds of residents responded with fury as the nails and screws caused damage to many vehicle's tyres.

Police say they are taking their investigation into the issue "very seriously" as the objects are reported to have been "purposefully dropped by teenagers".

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'Thousands' of the small objects were scattered across roads (Image: Contributed)
Over the weekend, the objects were reported to have been left on roads such as Fleet Lane, Evelyn Avenue, Simms Avenue, Lansbury Avenue, and Boardmans Lane in Parr.

Further objects were reported to have been left on Old Whint Road, Harty Lane, and Gleneagles Drive in Haydock.

With the objects causing slow punctures and potentially hundreds of pounds worth of damage, the acts have caused anger in the community as it is believed the objects have been dropped deliberately.

Police say that they have carried out searches and will be increasing patrols in the reported areas.

The objects have been causing damage to vehicles (Image: Contributed)
Speaking about the reports, St Helens local policing Inspector Stacey Pope said: “We are aware of a number of incidents where vehicle tyres have been damaged by nails that have been purposefully dropped into the road by teenagers. 

“We are taking this issue very seriously. This is a mindless act that is impacting everyone in the community with the time and money spent to repair or replace the damaged tyres.

“We are carrying out investigations and making CCTV enquiries, as well as patrolling the area to catch the culprits. 

“We have also notified the council and asked if they could clean the affected roads.

“I would urge parents and guardians to know where their child is and what they are up to, so they are not causing unnecessary distress and trouble to residents in the area.

“We continually work with local organisations and schools in the community to engage and educate children on acceptable behaviour.”

Police say they are taking the matter 'very seriously' (Image: Contributed)
Residents with information on this incident can contact the police's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with log 617 of 12 February.