Bolton motorist’s warning after his car was keyed

Sheraz Rasul is counting the cost of the damage that he discovered on Tuesday March 24, after going to his vehicle that he parks in a designated resident’s spot on Bolton Gate Retail Park.

He was shocked to discover the vandalism to his white Volkswagen.

Mr Rasul, 49, who lives in the area, initially thought it had been done by youths, until he watched CCTV footage which apparently showed someone acting suspiciously around the vehicle.

“It wasn’t until a neighbour shared CCTV footage with me that I realised it was something quite concerning,” Mr Rasul told The Bolton News.

In the footage, a figure walking along the quiet road at 4.45am.

They appear to be examining Mr Rasul’s car as they pass by.

They continue past the vehicle and disappear from view behind a black van parked next to it.

After a few moments, the figure reappears, walking back in the opposite direction near to Mr Rasul’s car and eventually walking off in the direction they came from.

Mr Rasul said: “It’s not a very nice thing to come back to, especially as other people might have children or elders they care for.

“This person needs to be caught.”

He added that cars have been damaged recently in the area and is warning others to be cautious.

According to Mr Rasul, at least three other cars have been keyed in the area over the last few months.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed to The Bolton News that they have received a report and enquiries are ongoing.

They said no further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police, quoting crime reference number 06KK/0007209/26.

In October 2022, a similar incident occurred on Florence Avenue in Astley Bridge.

A number of vehicles were scratched in the early hours, causing thousands of pounds in damage.

CCTV footage from the scene showed a figure, believed to be a man, walking along the street and damaging at least three cars.