Police are investigating after a number of cars were deliberately damaged this morning, November 20th, outside All Saint's Church, Ballymena.
The vehicles belonged to parishioners attending Sunday morning Mass at the time.
Police confirmed that a report of criminal damage was received to vehicles in the Cushendall Road area of the town on Sunday, 20th November.
It was reported by the owner of one of the vehicles that just after 10.45am a man had walked past a number of cars and scratched them with a sharp object.
A video of one of the cars deliberately scratched with a sharp object.
Sergeant Cullen said:
“In total, five vehicles sustained damage. The suspect is described as wearing jeans, white trainers and a navy-blue long coat with fur lined hood.
“Enquiries are ongoing. We would ask that anyone who witnessed this damage taking place or who may have dash-cam footage call Police on 101, quoting reference 615 of 20/11/22.
“You can also make a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has condemned the attack on the vehicles of parishioners of All Saint's chapel as they attended mass on Sunday.
Mr. McGuigan said:
"I am extremely disappointed and disgusted at this attack on the property of numerous parishioners as they attended mass and its needs to be condemned.
"Anyone attending their place of worship should be free to do so without any fear or worry. People should be able to park their cars anywhere in Ballymena and feel safe.
"It is clear that this was a pre meditated attack and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI."
Local Ballymena SDLP Councillor Eugene Reid condemned the wanton criminal damage and appealed to the community for help. He said:
"At the weekend a number of cars were damaged outside All Saints Church, I can’t condemn this act of mindless vandalism enough.
"PSNI have put out a request for anyone with any information, dash cam etc that could lead to identifying the perpetrator.
"I’ve spoken to some people whose cars were damaged and I would like to add my own request for anyone who saw anything between 10 and 11am on Sunday to get in touch with me or the police."