Bedfordshire Police have launched an investigation after multiple vehicles appear to have been deliberately scratched in the Shaftesbury Avenue and Kingsley Road area of Bedford.
The incidents took place between 4.40pm and 5pm on Saturday, 6 September. Officers say a man walking with a brown cocker spaniel-type dog caused significant damage to several parked cars in the space of around 15 minutes.
The suspect is believed to have used a key to scratch the sides of multiple vehicles. A video of the man appearing to ‘key’ the cars has been handed to the police.
As part of the investigation, police are working to identify and question the man involved.
Warning about sharing images
CCTV images of the incident have been shared on local social media groups, which may appear to assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice; however, they may create issues later on.
Sharing CCTV or other footage publicly before police have had a chance to complete enquiries can compromise investigations, prejudice future legal proceedings, or lead to mistaken identification – all of which can reduce the possibility of securing a successful prosecution.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police via 101 or online, quoting reference 40/51622/25. Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Update: This article was updated on 9 September 2025 at 20:05, to remove some details at the request of Bedfordshire Police.
