Yobs trash classic Jaguars

From the archive, first published Tuesday 28th Feb 2006.

VANDALS caused hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of damage to a collection of classic cars after driving them into one another and into fences during a wrecking spree.

Thirty-four Jaguars, some worth more than £150,000, were smashed up after the vandals broke into a storage unit over the weekend.

James Hull owns the Jaguars, some of which are extremely rare, and has built up the collection since 1979.

He said: "I'm still shocked. The devastation is unbelievable.

"Thirty-odd years of my life was destroyed in two hours."

The cars were stored in a secure unit in Corporation Road, Newport. The vandals forced open the shutters and broke into the building.

Mr Hull, 45, a dentist at the Coach House practice in Bassaleg, said he has always had a passion for Jaguars.

He owns a collection of 60 cars, the oldest dating from 1934.

He says it is the most important private Jaguar collection in Europe. Six of the damaged vehicles were going to be used in the Queen's birthday celebrations this year.

"Some of the cars are irreplaceable," Mr Hull said. "It's about the history behind them."

A mechanic who looks after the cars discovered the damage yesterday morning. The full cost of the damage is still being assessed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Forensic checks are being carried out on the vehicles in a bid to catch the vandals.

DC Jon Skillett said: "It's mindless vandalism. They rallied around, smashing the cars into each other.

"They've had a whale of a time causing damage."

Prior to the incident Mr Hull had been in talks with other collectors about opening a motoring history museum in Newport, but he said the plans are no longer viable.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Skillett at Gwent Police on 01633 838111.

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