PICTURES: Vandals run riot smashing vans into each other before torching Sheffield industrial site

The yobs broke into the Auto Repair Centre under the cover of darkness before vandalising several vans and cars.

This was the third business to be vandalised in Coleford Road, Darnall, within the space of a few days after a neighbouring haulage firm and another vehicle repair company were targeted.

Business owners are now so scared they could be the next victim that they are conducting their own patrols of the industrial estate late at night and on weekends.

They are also considering chipping in to pay for a security guard to monitor the area.

Matt Hunt, owner of the Auto Repair Centre, said: "I do not understand what these people get out of this.

"I nearly lost my business that I have built up for the last 20 years."

He added: "Everyone here is scared about what will happen next. People have been driving around at night to check on their business.

"We all have CCTV but we have talked about getting security in."

Vandals went on their wrecking spree at about 12.30am on Tuesday, April 17.

In just an hour a total of six vans and two cars were either vandalised or set on fire along with a container.

They had also let the handbrake off one of the vans which then rolled smashing into another vehicle.

Mr Hunt added: "The fire very nearly spread to another building which had about £15, 000 worth of vehicles in it. There was also gas cannisters and fuel in there, so it could have gone up.

"But thankfully a resident spotted the blaze and rang firefighters who came straight away."

He said that the firm was in discussion with their insurance company over the damage but stressed the centre - and its eight workers - would continue.

CCTV captured two men, aged in their late teens and wearing hooded tops, at the scene of the crime.

READ MORE: Probe underway into blaze involving cars and vans at Sheffield repair centreThe incident happened just days after neighbouring R Cox Haulage Ltd and vehicle repair company WTR Ltd were targeted.

They smashed lorries together at the haulage firm before setting the place on fire causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Company owner Robert Rounce, aged 50, of Worksop, said the yard looked like the aftermath of a 'demolition derby'.

It is understood a number of vehicles and a garage were also targeted at WTR Ltd, which shares part of the same yard.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.