WIDOW Diane Cassin has bemoaned a "sick society" after vandals damaged her car five times in 18 months.
The 72-year-old's Ford Fiesta, which she parks outside her home in Lanes Court, Priors Park, has suffered a string of attacks.
She said: "I've had four wing mirrors ripped off, windscreen wipers taken and a football-sized dent put in my wing.
"This damage has cost in the region of £500, and as a pensioner, I can't afford any more.
"The only option is to get rid of my beloved car, but I would lose my independence and all my voluntary work. I would just sit in a lonely flat all day, every day, feeling just another victim of this sick society."
Mrs Cassin suspects she was picked on by children playing football near her home after she asked them to watch where they were kicking their ball.
She said: "People are so scared because the ball keeps hitting their windows. One of my neighbours is petrified it will come through his window.
"I think the damage to my car was partly caused by the ball and partly because they didn't like what I said to them."
Two of her neighbours have had their vehicles vandalised too, she added.
The pensioner, whose husband Matthew died in 2010, believes the children's parents should teach them some manners.
She said: "They're not taught any discipline and they're free to do what they like."
Gloucestershire police spokeswoman Alexa Collicott said: "This is, of course, very upsetting for the woman involved. One incident is bad enough, but she has been the victim of this kind of mindless vandalism five times.
"We are carrying out patrols of the area and as part of our investigation we are asking the local community to call us if they know who is responsible."
